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sueño means dream — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 22, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

sueño

noun • /[SWE-nyo]/

dream

Example:

Ese sueño parecía tan real.

That dream felt so real.

🧠 What does sueño mean?

The word 'sueño' is a multifaceted masculine noun with three primary meanings. Firstly, it refers to the series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep. Secondly, it describes the physiological state of sleepiness or the need for rest. This is most often expressed with the verb 'tener' (to have), as in 'tener sueño'. Lastly, in a figurative sense, 'sueño' signifies an aspiration, a cherished ambition, or a goal that one wishes to achieve.

📚 Extra examples

  • Anoche tuve un sueño muy extraño sobre mi infancia.
    Last night I had a very strange dream about my childhood.
  • Después de un largo día de trabajo, tengo mucho sueño.
    After a long day of work, I am very sleepy.
  • Su sueño de toda la vida era convertirse en piloto.
    His lifelong dream was to become a pilot.
  • Viajar por Asia es un sueño que espero cumplir algún día.
    Traveling through Asia is a dream I hope to fulfill one day.
  • El ruido me despertó de un sueño profundo.
    The noise woke me from a deep sleep.

💡 Did You Know?

A crucial distinction for learners is the difference between 'tener sueño' and 'soñar con'. 'Tener sueño' exclusively means 'to be sleepy.' In contrast, 'soñar con' means 'to dream about.' Confusing these can lead to saying you are sleepy about something when you mean you are dreaming about it.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sueño"

Synonyms: aspiración, anhelo, meta, ilusión, somnolencia, modorra
Opposites: realidad, vigilia, energía, insomnio

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'dream' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'dream' is 'sueño'. It can refer to the images experienced during sleep as well as a personal aspiration. For the feeling of sleepiness, the common expression is 'tener sueño'.
How do you pronounce 'sueño' in Spanish?
The word 'sueño' is pronounced /SWEH-nyo/. The first syllable is stressed, and the 'ñ' produces a sound similar to the 'ny' in the English word 'canyon'.
How do you use 'sueño' in a sentence?
For a dream while sleeping: 'Tuve un sueño increíble' (I had an incredible dream). For sleepiness: 'Los niños ya tienen sueño' (The children are already sleepy). For an aspiration: 'Mi sueño es escribir un libro' (My dream is to write a book).
What is the English translation of 'sueño'?
'Sueño' translates to 'dream,' 'sleep,' or 'sleepiness' depending on the context. For instance, 'un sueño' is 'a dream,' while 'tener sueño' means 'to be sleepy'.
Does 'sueño' change for gender or number?
'Sueño' is a masculine noun. It changes for number to become plural: 'sueños'. For example, 'perseguir tus sueños' means 'to chase your dreams'.
Is 'sueño' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'sueño' is an extremely common and fundamental word used daily across all Spanish-speaking regions to talk about sleep, dreams, and goals.
Does 'sueño' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, 'un sueño' can be used idiomatically to describe something wonderful or perfect, as in 'Este lugar es un sueño' (This place is a dream). The phrase 'ni en sueños' means 'not in your wildest dreams' or 'no way'.
Is 'sueño' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meanings and usage of 'sueño' are consistent throughout Spain and Latin America. There are no significant regional variations that would cause misunderstanding.

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