chirrido
/t͡ʃiˈrido/
The English phrase "grinding noise" is translated into Spanish as chirrido.
chirrido refers to a harsh, high-pitched sound produced when two hard surfaces rub together.
How does it change in a sentence?
chirrido is a masculine noun and is used with the masculine article el (el chirrido). To express the plural form "grinding noises", you add -s to the end of the word to get chirridos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiˈrido/
Did you know?
- The verb chirriar is often used in Spanish to describe the sound of a voice becoming thin or high-pitched due to emotion or strain.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, chirriar can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is being difficult or 'grating' in their personality.
- The word chirrido is an onomatopoeic derivation, meaning the word itself is designed to mimic the very sound it describes.
Examples in context
- El freno del auto produce un ruido de rozamientoThe car brake produces a grinding noise
- El chirrido de los frenos es muy fuerte.The grinding noise of the brakes is very loud.
- Ese chirrido de la puerta es insoportable.That grinding noise from the door is unbearable.
- Escucho un chirrido constante en el motor.I hear a constant grinding noise in the engine.
- El chirrido de las frenadas me asustó.The grinding noise of the braking scared me.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are in the garage looking at a broken bicycle.
- Mateo¿Escuchas ese chirrido en la cadena?Do you hear that grinding noise in the chain?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, suena muy mal.Yes, Mateo, it sounds very bad.
- MateoCreo que necesita aceite urgente.I think it needs oil urgently.
- LucíaTienes razón, lo arreglaré ahora.You are right, I will fix it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chirrido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chirrido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
