soplo de aire
/soplo de aiɾe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "puff of air" is translated into Spanish as soplo de aire.
soplo de aire refers to a short, sudden burst of wind or breath.
What does it mean word for word?
The term soplo literally means a puff, a breath or a blow.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, particularly in Spain and parts of Latin America, bufido is used to describe a forceful or angry puff of air.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "a puff of air" specifically, you use the indefinite article un to form un soplo de aire.
How do you pronounce it?
/soplo de aiɾe/
Did you know?
- In a medical context, soplo refers to a heart murmur. It describes the audible 'puff' or whooshing sound of blood flowing irregularly through the heart.
- In Spanish, dar un soplo can mean to give someone a secret tip or a 'hint'. This uses the idea of a quick breath of information.
- The word soplo is a linguistic cousin to the French word 'soufflé', which refers to a dish that is 'blown' or 'puffed' up by hot air.
Examples in context
- Sintió un suave soplo de aire en la cara.He felt a gentle puff of air on his face.
- Sintió un pequeño soplo de aire en la cara.She felt a small puff of air on her face.
- Un soplo de aire movió las cortinas.A puff of air moved the curtains.
- El ventilador solo dio un soplo de aire.The fan only gave a puff of air.
Example conversation
María and Javier are sitting in a quiet park.
- María¿Sentiste ese soplo de aire frío?Did you feel that puff of cold air?
- JavierSí, fue un soplo de aire muy repentino.Yes, it was a very sudden puff of air.
- MaríaAhora el clima está muy tranquilo.Now the weather is very calm.
- JavierEs verdad, María, hace mucho calor.That's true, María, it is very hot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aire, de, soplo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
