llevarse una sorpresa
Lemma Details
Translation: to get a surprise; to be surprised; to receive a surprise
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'llevarse' (reflexive form of 'llevar', meaning 'to take/carry') with 'una sorpresa' (a surprise). 'Llevar' comes from Latin 'levare' meaning 'to raise, lift up', while 'sorpresa' derives from the past participle of French 'surprendre' (to surprise), ultimately from Latin 'super' (over) + 'prehendere' (to seize). The construction literally means 'to take oneself a surprise' but functions idiomatically to express experiencing something unexpected.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me llevé una sorpresa cuando vi que habían organizado una fiesta para mí.
I was surprised when I saw they had organized a party for me.
Te llevarás una sorpresa cuando veas los resultados.
You'll be surprised when you see the results.
Nos llevamos una sorpresa desagradable al descubrir el precio.
We got an unpleasant surprise when we discovered the price.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'llevarse' as 'carrying away' a surprise with you - you take it with you as an experience.
- Imagine 'carrying' (llevar) a wrapped gift box (una sorpresa) that unexpectedly opens in your hands.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in everyday Spanish conversation to express genuine surprise. It's a neutral way to describe unexpected situations, whether positive or negative, and is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Llevarse una sorpresa' means to receive or experience a surprise, while 'dar una sorpresa' means to give someone else a surprise.
Confused word:
Le di una sorpresa a mi madre en su cumpleaños.
I gave my mother a surprise on her birthday.
Notes: The difference is in the direction of the action - receiving versus giving.
Mnemonic: 'Llevarse' (take away) means you receive the surprise; 'dar' (give) means you provide the surprise to someone else.
Explanation: While 'llevarse una sorpresa' can be positive or negative, 'llevarse un susto' specifically refers to getting a fright or being scared.
This word:
Me llevé una sorpresa al ver que aprobé el examen.
I was surprised to see that I passed the exam.
Confused word:
Me llevé un susto cuando el perro empezó a ladrar de repente.
I got a fright when the dog suddenly started barking.
Notes: 'Llevarse un susto' always has negative connotations of fear or being startled.
Mnemonic: Think of 'sorpresa' as any surprise box that could contain good or bad news, while 'susto' is always a jump-scare.