Sobresaltarse is a verb in Spanish; specifically, it is used as a reflexive verb.
/sober.saɾˈtaɾ.se/
Sobresaltarse means to become startled or to be suddenly frightened by something. It is a common verb used to describe an involuntary reaction to unexpected stimuli, often resulting in a physical jolt or a momentary shock. It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, although it may appear more in narrative forms due to its descriptive nature.
Me sobresalté cuando escuché un fuerte ruido en la noche.
I started when I heard a loud noise at night.
Ella se sobresaltó al ver la película de terror.
She was startled while watching the horror movie.
No quiero sobresaltarme de nuevo con ese susto.
I don't want to get startled again with that scare.
Sobresaltarse is used in various idiomatic phrases:
Sobresaltarse del susto – To get startled by a fright.
Él se sobresaltó del susto cuando su amigo apareció de repente.
He was startled by the fright when his friend suddenly appeared.
Dar un sobresalto – To give a start or a sudden fright.
La película me dio un sobresalto en la parte más intensa.
The movie gave me a start in the most intense part.
Sobresaltarse por los nervios – To be startled out of nervousness.
Se sobresaltó por los nervios de hablar en público.
She was startled out of nervousness from speaking in public.
Sobresaltarse como un gato – To jump or startle like a cat.
Al escuchar el timbre, se sobresaltó como un gato.
When she heard the doorbell, she jumped like a cat.
The verb sobresaltarse derives from the combination of "sobre," meaning "over" or "above," and "saltar," which means "to jump." The term essentially conveys the action of jumping or starting from a state of calm to a startled state.
This comprehensive view of sobresaltarse reflects its significance in the Spanish language, emphasizing its reflexive nature and idiomatic usage.