Étonner vs. surprendre
The French verbs 'étonner' and 'surprendre' both translate to 'to surprise' in English, but they convey slightly different nuances of meaning. Understanding these differences enhances the ability to express subtleties in French.
Étonner
'Étonner' refers to causing astonishment or amazement. It often suggests that something is unexpected but not necessarily shocking.
Le spectacle de magie a étonné les enfants.
(The magic show amazed the children.)
Il m'étonne toujours avec ses talents cachés.
(He always astonishes me with his hidden talents.)
Cette nouvelle a étonné tout le monde au bureau.
(This news astonished everyone at the office.)
Surprendre
'Surprendre' implies an element of being caught off guard or taken by surprise. It can convey a range of reactions from mild to strong, and can sometimes carry a connotation of privacy intrusion or discovering something by chance.
J'ai surpris les enfants en train de fouiller dans la cuisine.
(I caught the children rummaging in the kitchen.)
Sa décision soudaine de déménager nous a tous surpris.
(His sudden decision to move surprised us all.)
Je l'ai surpris en train de me préparer une fête d'anniversaire secrète.
(I caught him preparing a secret birthday party for me.)
Summary
'Étonner' is more about causing wonder or amazement, often due to an unexpected situation, whereas 'surprendre' encompasses both the unexpectedness and the sense of being caught off guard. The latter can also suggest an element of intrusion or unexpected discovery.