Inklingo

How to Say "to rustle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

susurrar

/soo-soo-RAHR//susuˈraɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'susurrar' when referring to the soft, swishing sound of leaves, paper, or fabric, often created by a light breeze or movement.
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

/moor-moo-RAHR//muɾmuˈɾaɾ/

verbC1general
Opt for 'murmurar' when describing a more continuous, low, and often indistinct sound, like water flowing or a crowd's low chatter, but it can also apply to the gentle sound of leaves.
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.

Rustle vs. Murmur: Sound Specificity

Learners often confuse 'susurrar' and 'murmurar' by thinking they are interchangeable for any soft sound. Remember that 'susurrar' is typically for lighter, swishing sounds (like paper or light leaves), while 'murmurar' is for more continuous, indistinct sounds (like water or a low crowd, though it can also fit gentle leaf sounds).

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.