Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| susurrar | /susuˈraɾ/ | |
| chamuyar | /t͡ʃamuˈʝaɾ/ | |
| shushushar | /sususaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | El Salvador |
The primary way to express the act of talking in a quiet voice is through the verb susurrar. If you want to specifically say that you are whispering something into someone's ear, you should use the phrase susurrar algo al oído. You can also use the noun susurro to describe the sound or the act of a whisper itself.
Which one should you use?
While susurrar is the standard and neutral verb for the physical act of whispering, you might encounter other terms. Murmurar is a common and general translation for whisper that works in both formal and informal contexts. If you are describing soft, hushed speech, the informal term cuchichear is often used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations involving multiple people conversing in whispers, the phrase conversar en susurros is appropriate. In contrast, cuchichear is an informal way to describe hushed speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In El Salvador, the word shushushar is used. Additionally, the colloquial term chamuyar is used in certain contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun susurro is used to describe the sound or the act of a whisper. If you are referring to a faint trace or hint, the noun rastro is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/susuˈraɾ/
Did you know?
- The slang term chamuyar traces its roots back to chamullar, a word from Caló, which is a language historically spoken by Romani people in Spain.
- The verb murmurar is a versatile alternative that can mean to whisper quietly, but it can also imply complaining or grumbling under one's breath.
- The term cuchichear is almost exclusively used for conversations between two or more people, whereas susurrar can be used for a single person whispering to themselves.
Examples in context
- Yanni empezó a susurrar.Yanni began to whisper.This sentence shows the use of susurrar.Tatoeba #9996460 by manufrutos, translation #9995565 by Amastan
- Durante la ceremonia religiosa, los fieles conversaban en susurrosDuring the religious ceremony, the worshippers were whispering
- Mis amigos cuchichearon durante la películaMy friends whispered during the movie
- El niño susurró algo al oído de su madreThe child whispered something in his mother's ear
- Durante la reunión de trabajo, los colegas susurraron mientras el jefe hablabaDuring the work meeting, colleagues whispered while the boss was speaking
- En la biblioteca, se debe hablar en voz baja para no molestar a los demás estudiantesIn the library, you should speak in a low voice not to disturb other students
- Ella empezó a susurrar un secreto.She began to whisper a secret.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in a movie theater.
- JavierPor favor, no hables tan fuerte.Please, don't talk so loud.
- SofíaTienes razón, voy a susurrar.You're right, I'm going to whisper.
- Javier¿Qué dijiste ahora, Sofía?What did you say now, Sofía?
- SofíaDije que la película es genial.I said that the movie is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “whisper” translations and entries susurrar, chamuyar, 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 chamuyar, susurrar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
