How to Say "to vibrate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to vibrate” is “vibrar” — use 'vibrar' for everyday physical movements like a phone buzzing or an object shaking slightly, as well as for technical settings related to vibration.
Use 'vibrar' for everyday physical movements like a phone buzzing or an object shaking slightly, as well as for technical settings related to vibration.
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Use 'estremecer' when referring to a strong impact, a significant shaking, or a sudden jolt caused by something powerful like a loud noise or an earthquake.
Learn more →bee-BRAHRbiˈβɾaɾ
Examples
Siento mi teléfono vibrar en mi bolsillo.
I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket.
Las cuerdas de la guitarra vibran para producir sonido.
The guitar strings vibrate to produce sound.
El suelo vibró cuando pasó el camión.
The ground shook when the truck passed by.
Perfectly Regular
Good news! This verb follows the standard rules for all '-ar' verbs. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you know 'vibrar'.
Vibrar vs. Temblar
Mistake: “Me vibro de frío.”
Correction: Tiemblo de frío. Use 'vibrar' for machines or tools, and 'temblar' for humans shivering or earthquakes.
es-treh-meh-SEHRestɾemeˈθeɾ
Examples
El rugido del motor hizo estremecer el suelo.
The roar of the engine made the ground shake.
Ella se estremeció al sentir el viento helado en su cara.
She shuddered when she felt the icy wind on her face.
Un fuerte terremoto estremeció la ciudad durante la noche.
A strong earthquake shook the city during the night.
The 'ZC' Spelling Change
For this verb, when you have a 'yo' form or a 'special form' (subjunctive) that ends in 'o' or 'a', the 'c' changes to 'zc' to keep the soft 's' or 'th' sound.
When to use 'se'
Use 'estremecerse' (with the extra 'se') when you are talking about a person shivering or shuddering on their own. Use 'estremecer' without 'se' when something else is doing the shaking.
Missing the 'Z'
Mistake: “Yo estremeco.”
Correction: Yo estremezco. (The 'z' is needed before the 'o' to maintain the correct pronunciation pattern.)
Don't confuse slight shaking with strong impact
Learners often use 'estremecer' for minor vibrations, like a phone buzzing. Remember, 'vibrar' is for everyday, less intense movements, while 'estremecer' implies a more powerful, noticeable shaking or shudder.
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