murmullo
/muɾˈmuʝo/
The English word "murmur" can be translated into Spanish as murmullo.
The term murmullo is a noun used to describe a low, indistinguishable noise or a mumble. To express the action of making such a sound, use the related verb murmurar. If you want to specifically describe the act of mumbling or muttering something under one's breath, you can use the idiomatic expression murmurar entre dientes.
Meaning: to speak or make low, indistinguishable noise, to mumble (verb)
Which one should you use?
While murmullo refers to a low sound or mumble, the specific medical term for a heart murmur is soplo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form of the noun murmullo is murmurar.
How do you pronounce it?
/muɾˈmuʝo/
Did you know?
- While murmurar translates to 'murmur', it is often used to describe the act of gossiping or speaking ill of someone behind their back.
- The phrase murmurar entre dientes describes mumbling 'between teeth', whereas English speakers say they are doing it 'under their breath'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a 'murmullo' can describe not just human speech, but the pleasant, low sound of water flowing or wind moving through trees.
Examples in context
- No deberías murmurar acerca de los demás.You should not murmur about others.
- Ella susurró una linda canción en mi oído.She murmured a lovely song in my ear.
- El murmullo de las hojas me relaja.The murmur of the leaves relaxes me.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are in a quiet library.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿qué dijiste?Alejandro, what did you say?
- AlejandroNada, solo murmullo algunas cosas.Nothing, I just mumble some things.
- ElenaHabla más fuerte, por favor.Speak louder, please.
- AlejandroPerdona, no quiero molestar a nadie.Sorry, I don't want to bother anyone.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry murmullo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
