When expressing thoughts or comments “under your breath” in Spanish, you may want to be cautious and respectful in different situations. Here, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to convey this idea, ensuring you understand the subtleties while respecting regional variations. Let’s dive into various examples, tips, and phrases you can use!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Formal settings often require a more polished and respectful approach when speaking “under your breath.” These expressions are suitable for situations such as professional environments, official meetings, or when speaking with elderly individuals or people you want to show respect to.
1. Hablar entre dientes
The formal expression “hablar entre dientes” translates directly to “to speak between teeth” and represents the idea of speaking under your breath in a low, muffled voice. It is commonly used when someone wants to convey a comment discreetly without being explicitly heard by others.
Example: Durante la reunión, Juan hablaba entre dientes sobre el desacuerdo con la propuesta. (During the meeting, Juan spoke under his breath about his disagreement with the proposal.)
2. Murmurar en voz baja
The phrase “murmurar en voz baja” translates to “to mutter quietly.” It is often used in formal situations when someone wants to express their thoughts or frustrations under their breath while maintaining a respectful tone.
Example: La maestra murmuró en voz baja sobre el comportamiento de los estudiantes. (The teacher muttered under her breath about the students’ behavior.)
Informal Expressions
In more casual or relaxed environments, such as among friends, family, or with peers of the same age, you can use informal expressions to convey speaking “under your breath” in Spanish. These expressions have a slightly more colloquial tone and are appropriate for less formal situations.
1. Decir entre dientes
The informal expression “decir entre dientes” has a similar meaning to its formal counterpart but is more commonly used among friends or in informal conversations. It implies speaking softly or whispering something to yourself or someone close to you.
Example: El chico dijo entre dientes lo mucho que extrañaba a su novia. (The boy said under his breath how much he missed his girlfriend.)
2. Susurrar por lo bajo
“Susurrar por lo bajo” is an informal way to express speaking “under your breath” in Spanish. It conveys the idea of whispering something slightly audibly, as if not intending for others to hear. This expression is often used among friends or in informal conversations.
Example: Ana susurró por lo bajo unas palabras de agradecimiento. (Ana muttered under her breath some words of gratitude.)
Tips and Additional Examples
Tone and Volume
When speaking “under your breath” in Spanish, both formal and informal expressions depend on maintaining a low volume and soft tone. The idea is to make your words less audible while conveying your thoughts or comments discreetly.
Context Matters
Consider the context in which you plan to use these phrases. Depending on the situation and the people involved, you can choose between formal or informal expressions. Always prioritize respect and adjust your language accordingly.
Practice Makes Perfect
Take the opportunity to practice these expressions in various contexts. This will help you become comfortable and natural when using them. Remember, proper usage and tone are crucial to effectively communicate your message “under your breath.”
Recuerda que el volumen de tu voz debe disminuir para hablar entre dientes o susurrar por lo bajo. No querrás que te escuchen.
Remember to lower the volume of your voice when speaking under your breath. You wouldn’t want to be heard.
Regional Variations
While the expressions presented here are widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, there may be slight variations in vocabulary or usage. It’s always helpful to consult locals or language experts to adapt your speech to specific regional nuances, if necessary.
With these phrases, you can now discreetly convey your thoughts or comments “under your breath” in Spanish, whether you’re in a formal or informal setting. Remember to use the appropriate expression based on the context and prioritize respect. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
