temblor
“temblor” means “tremor” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
tremor
Also: earthquake
📝 In Action
Anoche sentimos un pequeño temblor.
A2We felt a small tremor last night.
El temblor no causó daños en la ciudad.
B1The shaking didn't cause damage in the city.
Muchos países de Latinoamérica tienen temblores frecuentes.
B1Many Latin American countries have frequent tremors.
shiver
Also: tremble
📝 In Action
Tenía un temblor en las manos por el frío.
B1I had a shiver in my hands because of the cold.
Se notaba un leve temblor en su voz.
B2A slight tremble could be noticed in her voice.
El temblor de sus piernas delataba su miedo.
B2The shaking of his legs gave away his fear.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: temblor
Question 1 of 3
Which word would you use for a massive, destructive earthquake?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Latin verb 'tremere', meaning 'to shake or quake'. It share roots with the English word 'tremor'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between temblor and sismo?
'Temblor' is the common, everyday word for any shaking. 'Sismo' is a slightly more technical or scientific term, though both are used in news reports.
Can I use 'temblor' for a person shivering from cold?
Yes! It describes any physical shaking, whether it's the ground or a person's body because of cold, fear, or illness.
Does 'temblor' always mean an earthquake?
Not always. While it's very common for earthquakes, it can also describe the vibration of a building when a heavy truck passes by or the trembling of someone's hand.