susurrar
“susurrar” means “to whisper” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to whisper
Also: to mumble
📝 In Action
Ella me susurró un secreto al oído.
A2She whispered a secret in my ear.
No grites en la biblioteca, tienes que susurrar.
B1Don't shout in the library, you have to whisper.
Los niños estaban susurrando en clase para que el profesor no los oyera.
B1The children were whispering in class so the teacher wouldn't hear them.
to rustle, to murmur
📝 In Action
El viento susurra entre los árboles de la montaña.
B2The wind rustles through the mountain trees.
Me encanta oír el mar susurrar por la noche.
B2I love hearing the sea murmur at night.
Las hojas secas susurraban bajo mis pies.
C1The dry leaves rustled under my feet.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: susurrar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'susurrar' to talk about nature?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'susurrare'. It is an onomatopoeic word, meaning the word was created to sound like the soft 's' noise people make when whispering.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'susurrar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it's the standard word for 'to whisper' and is used daily whenever someone is being quiet.
Can I use 'susurrar' for computer or machine noises?
Usually not. For a computer fan or a quiet engine, 'zumbar' (to hum) or 'hacer un ruido suave' is better.
What's the difference between 'susurrar' and 'murmurar'?
'Susurrar' is usually positive or neutral (like a secret). 'Murmurar' can sometimes mean complaining or gossiping behind someone's back.