gemir
/xeˈmiɾ/
To moan in Spanish is gemir.
The verb gemir is used to describe the physical act of making a sound associated with physical pain, pleasure or deep sorrow.
Meaning: to make a moan or similar sound (verb)
Which one should you use?
While gemir refers specifically to the physical sound of moaning, the verb quejarse is used when someone is complaining or grumbling about a situation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the verb gemir is gemido, which means a moan or a groan. Another related noun for a low cry of pain is quejido.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈmiɾ/
Did you know?
- The word gemir is often used in Spanish literature to describe the sound of inanimate objects, such as a door or a rusted hinge, rather than just living beings.
- In some Spanish dialects, the word gemir is used in religious contexts to describe the 'groanings' of the soul in prayer or repentance.
- The modern word gemir evolved from the Old Spanish word emer, which was later modified to align more closely with the Latin gemere.
Examples in context
- Escuché gemidos en la habitaciónI heard moans in the room
- Se lamentaba en voz bajaHe/she moaned softly
- Eran gemidos de dolorThey were moans of pain
- Escuché un quejido procedente del otro cuartoI heard a groan coming from the other room
- Estaba gimoteando de tristezaHe/she was moaning with sadness
- El paciente empezó a gemir de dolor.The patient started to moan in pain.
- Ella pudo oírlo gemir en la habitación.She could hear him moaning in the room.
Example conversation
Sofía is helping Javier with a sports injury.
- SofíaJavier, no empieces a gemir ahora.Javier, don't start moaning now.
- JavierEs que me duele mucho el tobillo.It's just that my ankle hurts a lot.
- SofíaSolo respira y trata de no gemir.Just breathe and try not to moan.
- JavierEstá bien, lo intentaré.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moan” translations and entries gemir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gemir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
