How to Say "murmur" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “murmur” is “murmullo” — use 'murmullo' for a general, low, indistinct sound made by a group of voices, often in a crowd or a quiet room.
murmullo
moor-MOO-yohmuɾˈmuʝo
Examples
Se oía un murmullo constante en la biblioteca.
A constant murmur could be heard in the library.
El murmullo de la gente me impedía escuchar la música.
The murmur of the people prevented me from hearing the music.
Un murmullo de sorpresa recorrió la habitación cuando entró el actor.
A murmur of surprise went through the room when the actor entered.
Always Masculine
Since this word ends in 'o', it is masculine. You must always use 'el' or 'un' with it, never 'la' or 'una'.
Used with verbs of perception
You will often see this word paired with 'oír' (to hear) or 'escuchar' (to listen to) because it describes an auditory experience.
Confusing with 'Gossip'
Mistake: “Using 'murmullo' to mean the act of gossiping.”
Correction: Use 'murmuración' for the act of gossiping. 'Murmullo' refers only to the actual physical sound of the voices.
susurro
soo-SOO-rrohsuˈsu.ro
Examples
Ella me dijo el secreto en un susurro.
She told me the secret in a whisper.
El susurro del viento entre los árboles me ayuda a dormir.
The rustle of the wind through the trees helps me sleep.
Se escuchaba un leve susurro en la sala de cine.
A faint murmur could be heard in the movie theater.
Using 'en' with susurro
When you want to say you are speaking 'in a whisper,' always use the word 'en' before 'un susurro.'
Gender Confusion
Mistake: “la susurro”
Correction: el susurro because words ending in -o are almost always masculine.
rumor
roo-MORruˈmoɾ
Examples
El rumor del río era lo único que se oía en la noche.
The murmur of the river was the only thing heard at night.
Se levantó un rumor de voces cuando el presidente entró.
A buzz of voices rose when the president entered.
soplo
SOH-plohˈsoplo
Examples
El pediatra le detectó un soplo en el corazón.
The pediatrician detected a heart murmur in him.
Muchos niños nacen con un soplo funcional.
Many children are born with a functional murmur.
No te preocupes, es un soplo benigno.
Don't worry, it's a benign murmur.
Prepositions with Medical Conditions
Use 'en' to describe the location: 'soplo en el corazón'.
False Friend Avoidance
Mistake: “Thinking 'murmuro' is the medical term for a heart murmur.”
Correction: While 'murmuro' exists as a general whisper, the specific medical term is always 'soplo'.
Murmullo vs. Susurro vs. Rumor
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