How to Say "to mumble" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to mumble” is “murmurar” — use this word when someone is speaking so quietly that they are difficult to hear, often implying a low, indistinct sound..
murmurar
/moor-moo-RAHR//muɾmuˈɾaɾ/
Examples
Ella murmuró algo inaudible.
She mumbled something inaudible.
Ella murmuró algo en mi oído.
She whispered something in my ear.
No murmures, habla más fuerte para que todos te oigan.
Don't mutter; speak louder so everyone can hear you.
El niño murmuraba una canción mientras jugaba.
The boy was humming a song under his breath while he played.
Using 'murmurar' for soft sounds
Unlike English 'mumble,' which usually implies you're doing something wrong, 'murmurar' can just mean speaking very quietly or sweetly.
Choosing between murmurar and susurrar
Mistake: “Using 'murmurar' when you specifically mean a romantic or secret whisper.”
Correction: Use 'susurrar' for intentional, soft whispers; use 'murmurar' more for talking under your breath or complaining quietly.
susurrar
/soo-soo-RAHR//susuˈraɾ/
Examples
Él me susurró su preocupación al oído.
He mumbled his worry in my ear.
Ella me susurró un secreto al oído.
She whispered a secret in my ear.
No grites en la biblioteca, tienes que susurrar.
Don't shout in the library, you have to whisper.
Los niños estaban susurrando en clase para que el profesor no los oyera.
The children were whispering in class so the teacher wouldn't hear them.
Using 'Le' with Whispering
When you whisper TO someone, you usually need to use a word like 'le' or 'me' to show who is hearing it. For example: 'Le susurré la verdad' (I whispered the truth to him/her).
A Fully Regular Verb
Good news! This verb follows all the standard rules for verbs ending in -ar. There are no surprise spelling changes.
Don't forget the 'a'
Mistake: “Susurré mi madre.”
Correction: Susurré a mi madre (or 'Le susurré a mi madre'). Always use 'a' before the person you are whispering to.
masticar
/mas-tee-KAR//mastiˈkaɾ/
Examples
El profesor hablaba tan rápido que sus palabras parecían masticadas.
The professor spoke so fast that his words seemed mumbled.
Necesito tiempo para masticar esta noticia.
I need time to process (mull over) this news.
No mastiques las palabras, habla claro.
Don't mumble your words, speak clearly.
Metaphorical Usage
When using 'masticar' for thoughts, it implies the same slow, repetitive process as chewing food—breaking something big down into smaller, digestible pieces.
Murmurar vs. Susurrar
Related Translations
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