inaudiblemente
/inaudiblemente/from spelling rules
The English word 'softly' can be translated into Spanish using inaudiblemente. Wiktionary also lists silenciosamente.
Meaning: not loudly, inaudible (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| inaudiblemente | /inaudiblemente/ (from spelling rules) |
| silenciosamente | /silenˌθjosaˈmente/ /silenˌsjosaˈmente/ |
The choice of word depends on whether you mean a sound is too quiet to hear, the absence of noise or a sense of gentleness. While inaudiblemente and silenciosamente are direct adverbs, in many natural contexts involving speaking or touching, the word suavemente is a more natural way to express 'softly'.
Which one should you use?
Use inaudiblemente when the sound is so low that it cannot be heard at all. Use silenciosamente when referring to the absence of sound or moving without making noise, rather than just low volume.
How do you pronounce it?
/inaudiblemente/
Did you know?
- While suavemente means 'softly', it is also the name of a world-famous mambo track by Pérez Prado that defined the 'mambo craze' of the 1950s.
- The suffix -mente in silenciosamente is derived from the Latin word mēns, meaning 'mind'. This suggests that doing something 'softly' or 'silently' was historically viewed as a state of mind.
- When telling someone to speak 'softly' in a casual setting, Spanish speakers use the diminutive bajito instead of a formal adverb. This transforms the word for 'low' into a gentler request.
Examples in context
- Habla suavemente, por favorSpeak softly, please
- Trata el objeto con delicadezaHandle the object with delicacy
- Por favor, habla a voz bajaPlease speak softly
- Cierra la puerta despacitoClose the door softly
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in a library.
- JavierSofía, ¿puedes hablar más fuerte?Sofía, can you speak louder?
- SofíaLo siento, hablé inaudiblemente por accidente.I'm sorry, I spoke softly by accident.
- JavierNo te preocupes, no te escuché bien.Don't worry, I didn't hear you well.
- SofíaAhora hablaré con más volumen.Now I will speak with more volume.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “softly” translations and entries inaudiblemente, silenciosamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries silenciosamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
