rugir
/ruˈxiɾ/
The English phrase roar translates to Spanish as rugir. If unsure, use rugir. Wiktionary also lists bramar.
Meaning: of animals, to make a loud deep noise (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| rugir | /ruˈxiɾ/ |
| bramar | /bɾaˈmaɾ/ |
The verb refers to animals making a loud, deep noise. While rugir is the general verb for roaring, especially associated with lions or large cats, the term grito can also be used to mean a shout, scream or in certain situations, a roar.
Which one should you use?
The verb rugir is the general term for roaring. In contrast, bramar is a more specific verb used for the deep, heavy roaring sounds of bulls, deer or even the sea. For nouns, rugido is typically used for the sound of a lion or a large predator, whereas bramido is used for the roar or bellow of a bull or a large herbivore.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ruˈxiɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the 'roar' of a stomach is described using rugir. The phrase me ruge el estómago is the standard way to say one's stomach is growling.
- While rugir comes from Latin, bramar originates from Gothic. This means the word for a bull's roar has Germanic roots rather than Latin ones.
- When a person 'roars' with laughter, Spanish speakers typically use carcajada or estallar en risas rather than rugir. Using rugir for laughter would sound like a literal animal noise.
Examples in context
- No puedo rugir como un león. Soy un chacal.I cannot roar like a lion. I'm a jackal.This sentence shows how to use rugir in a comparison.Tatoeba #1687303 by marcelostockle, translation #1687110 by Amastan
- El león se puso a rugir cuando nos aproximamos.The lion began to roar as we approached.This sentence uses rugir to describe an animal's action.Tatoeba #1641989 by marcelostockle, translation #247237 by CK
- Leo comenzó a rugir cuando tenía dos años de edad.Leo started to roar when he was two years old.This sentence uses rugir in a sentence about a person named Leo.Tatoeba #1979818 by camilou, translation #29528 by Dejo
- El león dejó escapar un rugido ensordecedorThe lion let out a deafening roar.
- El rugido del tigre resonó en la selvaThe tiger's roar echoed in the jungle.
- El toro lanzó un bramido y embistió contra el toreroThe bull let out a roar and charged at the bullfighter.
- El bramido del alce se escuchaba desde la distanciaThe moose's roar could be heard from a distance.
- ¡Qué rugido hizo ese motor!What a roar that engine made!
- El público dejó escapar un rugido de emoción cuando el equipo anotó el golThe crowd let out a roar of excitement when the team scored the goal.
- El dragón lanzó un grito ferozThe dragon let out a fierce roar.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are visiting a zoo.
- MaríaMira ese tigre, ¡va a rugir!Look at that tiger, it's going to roar!
- JavierEs impresionante escucharlo rugir así.It's impressive to hear it roar like that.
- MaríaMe asustó cuando empezó a rugir.It scared me when it started to roar.
- JavierSí, rugir es su forma de comunicarse.Yes, roaring is its way of communicating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roar” translations and entries rugir, bramar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bramar, rugir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
