How to Say “Growl” in Spanish

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gruñir
/ɡɾuˈɲiɾ/
The English verb "growl" is translated into Spanish as gruñir.
The verb gruñir is used to describe uttering a deep guttural sound. In a figurative sense, it can also be used to describe a person grumbling or complaining in a low, irritated tone.
Meaning: to utter a deep guttural sound (verb)

Which one should you use?

While gruñir refers to the vocalization of a person or animal, the related form rugir is typically used for a roar or a loud, deep rumble like thunder or a lion.

Related words

Deep, rumbling, threatening sound (noun): rugido.

Sound made by the stomach when hungry (noun): rugido.

How does it change in a sentence?

The third-person singular preterite form of gruñir is gruñó (he/she growled), and the gerund form is gruñendo (growling).

How do you pronounce it?

/ɡɾuˈɲiɾ/

Did you know?

  • Spanish has a specific term gruñón for a person who is habitually grumpy or growly, which is often used as a fond or teasing nickname for a father or grandfather.
  • In some Spanish-speaking cultures, gruñir can be used to describe the sound a stomach makes when a person is very hungry.
  • In Spanish, the word gruñir can be applied to machinery, such as an engine that is running roughly or making strange noises.

Examples in context

  • El perro emitió un gruñido amenazante.
    The dog let out a threatening growl.
  • El perro gruñó al sentirse amenazado.
    The dog growled when it felt threatened.
  • Al oír un misterioso ruido en el bosque oscuro, el explorador tembló al escuchar un gruñido salvaje.
    Upon hearing a mysterious noise in the dark forest, the explorer shivered upon hearing a savage growl.
  • La bruja refunfuñó mientras lanzaba un hechizo poderoso.
    The witch growled as she cast a powerful spell.
  • No quiero que ese animal empiece a gruñir.
    I don't want that animal to start growling.
  • Escucho al lobo gruñir en la oscuridad.
    I hear the wolf growling in the darkness.

Example conversation

Daniel and María are watching a nature documentary about wild animals.

  1. Daniel

    Mira, ese animal va a gruñir ahora.
    Look, that animal is going to growl now.
  2. María

    Es un sonido muy aterrador, Daniel.
    It is a very scary sound, Daniel.
  3. Daniel

    Sí, el león suele gruñir cuando está de mal humor.
    Yes, the lion tends to growl when he is in a bad mood.
  4. María

    Me da miedo su forma de gruñir.
    The way he growls scares me.

Sources

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Dolores Millie
Dolores MillieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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