Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say "In Awe" in Spanish
Asombrado · adjective · ah-sohm-BRAH-doh
There is no single word-for-word translation of "in awe" in Spanish. Instead, speakers choose from several expressive adjectives: "asombrado/a" (astonished), "maravillado/a" (marveling), and "boquiabierto/a" (literally open-mouthed). The verbal phrase "quedarse boquiabierto" vividly captures the moment of being left speechless with wonder.
Asombrado is ah-sohm-BRAH-doh. Maravillado is mah-rah-bee-YAH-doh. Boquiabierto is boh-kee-ah-bee-EHR-toh.
Los turistas se quedaron boquiabiertos ante la catedral.
The tourists stood in awe before the cathedral.
In Awe in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for in awe, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| asombrado | in awe | ah-sohm-BRAH-doh | Default, widely understood |
| maravillado/a | in awe | emphasizes wonder and admiration | |
| boquiabierto/a | in awe | lit. open-mouthed — vivid and colloquial | |
| impresionado/a | in awe | impressed / struck with awe |
How Native Speakers Use Asombrado
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Natural wonder
Me quedé maravillado al ver las cataratas del Iguazú por primera vez.
I was in awe when I saw Iguazú Falls for the first time.
"Maravillado" emphasizes a deep sense of admiration and wonder, ideal for breathtaking experiences.
Performance or talent
El público estaba asombrado por la destreza del guitarrista.
The audience was in awe of the guitarist's skill.
"Asombrado" works well for moments of surprise mixed with admiration.
Everyday amazement
La niña se quedó boquiabierta cuando vio los fuegos artificiales.
The little girl stood in awe when she saw the fireworks.
"Boquiabierto/a" is the most visual and colloquial option, painting a picture of someone with their mouth hanging open.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Asombrado
Gender agreement
Incorrect: Ella estaba asombrado por la noticia.
Correct: Ella estaba asombrada por la noticia.
These adjectives must agree with the subject's gender. For a female subject, use the feminine ending: asombrada, maravillada, boquiabierta.
Using "en temor" as a literal translation
Incorrect: Estoy en temor de su talento.
Correct: Estoy maravillado por su talento.
"Awe" in English can overlap with fear, but "temor" in Spanish means fear or dread. To express positive awe, use "maravillado," "asombrado," or "impresionado."
Lock in In Awe Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Asombrado used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using asombrado in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Los turistas se quedaron boquiabiertos ante la catedral. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About In Awe in Spanish
- Which word should I use for positive awe versus fearful awe?
- For positive awe (admiration, wonder), use "maravillado" or "asombrado." For fearful or reverent awe (before something powerful or overwhelming), "sobrecogido" captures that mix of wonder and trepidation.
- Can I use "impresionado" to mean "in awe"?
- Yes, "impresionado/a" works as a slightly milder synonym. It translates closer to "impressed" but can convey awe when paired with strong context: "Estoy muy impresionado" (I'm deeply impressed / in awe).
- What does "quedarse boquiabierto" literally mean?
- It literally means "to remain open-mouthed." It is an idiomatic expression used when someone is so amazed or shocked that their mouth falls open. It can apply to both positive surprise and disbelief.