zumbido
“zumbido” means “buzz” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
buzz
Also: hum, drone
📝 In Action
El zumbido de las abejas en el jardín es muy relajante.
A2The buzz of the bees in the garden is very relaxing.
Hay un zumbido extraño en el motor del coche.
B1There is a strange hum in the car engine.
El zumbido constante de los ordenadores me distrae.
B2The constant drone of the computers distracts me.
ringing
📝 In Action
Después del concierto, tuve un zumbido en los oídos toda la noche.
B1After the concert, I had a ringing in my ears all night.
El médico dice que el zumbido se llama tinnitus.
B2The doctor says the ringing is called tinnitus.
Siento un zumbido persistente desde ayer.
C1I've been feeling a persistent ringing since yesterday.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: zumbido
Question 1 of 3
Which of these would most likely produce a 'zumbido'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
An onomatopoeic word, meaning it was created to imitate the actual sound 'zum' that bees and machines make.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'zumbido' and 'pitido'?
A 'zumbido' is usually a lower, vibrating sound (like a bee or motor), while a 'pitido' is a high-pitched whistle or electronic beep.
Can I use 'zumbido' for a person talking?
Not usually. If someone is talking quietly and you can't understand them, you'd use 'murmullo' (murmur).
Is it 'zumbido' or 'sumbido'?
It is always spelled with a 'Z'. In Latin America, they sound the same, but in Spain, the 'Z' has a distinct 'th' sound.