para mi sorpresa, él

to my surprise, he

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phrase Rare #43,768

to my surprise, he Used to introduce an unexpected action or situation involving a male person. Él means “he” and is often included for emphasis or contrast; para mi sorpresa literally means “to my surprise.”

SP: Para mi sorpresa, él aceptó la invitación.

EN: To my surprise, he accepted the invitation.

Para mi sorpresa, él seguía ahí.

To my surprise, he was still there.

— A primera vista (2014)

Para mi sorpresa, él no sabía usar el diccionario.

To my surprise, he didn't know how to use the dictionary.

Para mi sorpresa, él se ganó el premio.

To my surprise, he won the prize.

Pensé que iba a estar enojado, pero para mi sorpresa, él sonrió.

I thought he was going to be angry, but to my surprise, he smiled.

Para mi sorpresa, él reprobó el examen.

To my surprise, he failed the exam.