Inklingo

How to Say "rustle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

susurro

/soo-SOO-rroh//suˈsu.ro/

nounB1general
Use 'susurro' to describe the light sound of wind moving through leaves or a very quiet, breathy utterance that sounds like rustling.
A child leaning in to speak softly into another child's ear.

Examples

Oímos el susurro de las hojas secas bajo nuestros pies.

We heard the rustle of dry leaves under our feet.

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.

murmullo

/moor-MOO-yoh//muɾˈmuʝo/

nounB2general
Use 'murmullo' for a more general, continuous soft sound, like the rustling of water, distant voices, or a general ambient noise that has a rustling quality.
A small, clear stream flowing gently over smooth stones in a lush green forest.

Examples

El murmullo de la gente en la plaza llegaba hasta nosotros.

The murmur/rustle of the people in the square reached us.

Dormimos junto al murmullo del río.

We slept next to the babbling of the river.

El murmullo de las hojas en el otoño es muy relajante.

The rustle of the leaves in autumn is very relaxing.

El murmullo del viento entre los pinos me da paz.

The murmur of the wind among the pines gives me peace.

Describing nature

When describing nature, use 'de' after 'murmullo' to indicate what is making the sound (e.g., 'murmullo de las olas').

Avoid using for loud water

Mistake:Using 'murmullo' for a crashing waterfall.

Correction: Use 'estruendo' or 'rugido' for loud nature sounds. 'Murmullo' is only for gentle, quiet sounds.

Don't confuse 'susurro' with 'murmullo' for specific sounds

Learners often confuse 'susurro' and 'murmullo' because both describe soft sounds. Remember that 'susurro' is typically for lighter, more distinct rustling sounds like wind in leaves, while 'murmullo' is for a more general, continuous background rustling or murmuring.

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