sonreír
/sonreˈiɾ/
Definition
To smile — to make a happy expression by curling the corners of your mouth upward.
Example
Ella sonríe cada vez que ve a su perro.
Show translation
She smiles every time she sees her dog.
Etymology
From Latin *subridēre* ("to smile lightly"), composed of *sub-* ("under, slightly") + *ridēre* ("to laugh"). The *sub-* prefix softened the full laugh (*reír*) into a gentle, upward curve — which is exactly what a smile is. Spanish evolved *subridēre* into *sonreír* by assimilating the prefix through sound change.
Cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, smiling at strangers on the street is less automatic than in, say, the United States — it can imply familiarity or even flirtation. However, *sonreír* in personal and family contexts carries enormous warmth. The phrase *¡Sonríe, que la vida es bella!* ("Smile, life is beautiful!") is a beloved everyday encouragement. Note that *sonreír* is NOT the same as *reírse* (to laugh outright) — a common mix-up for English learners who translate both loosely as "laugh."