Inklingo

How to Say "to murmur" in Spanish

English → Spanish

murmurar

/moor-moo-RAHR//muɾmuˈɾaɾ/

verbC1general
Use 'murmurar' when describing the gentle, continuous sound of natural elements like flowing water or the wind, often implying a low, indistinct sound.
A gentle stream of water flowing over smooth stones.

Examples

Podíamos oír el río murmurar entre las piedras.

We could hear the river murmuring among the stones.

El viento murmuraba entre las hojas de los árboles.

The wind rustled through the leaves of the trees.

susurrar

/soo-soo-RAHR//susuˈraɾ/

verbB2general
Choose 'susurrar' for soft, rustling sounds, particularly when the wind moves through vegetation like leaves or trees, or for very quiet, almost whispered speech.
Dry autumn leaves blowing gently across the grass.

Examples

El viento susurra entre los árboles de la montaña.

The wind rustles through the mountain trees.

Me encanta oír el mar susurrar por la noche.

I love hearing the sea murmur at night.

Las hojas secas susurraban bajo mis pies.

The dry leaves rustled under my feet.

Susurrar vs. Crujir

Use 'susurrar' for soft, breathy sounds like wind. Use 'crujir' for sharper sounds like breaking a twig or stepping on dry leaves.

Murmurar vs. Susurrar

Learners often confuse 'murmurar' and 'susurrar' because both can describe soft sounds. Remember that 'susurrar' is more commonly used for the sound of wind through leaves, while 'murmurar' is a broader term for continuous, indistinct natural sounds like water.

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