sussurrare
/sus.surˈra.re/
The English phrase whispering is translated into Italian as sussurrare.
The word sussurrare refers to the act of speaking very softly using one's breath rather than the vocal cords.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /sus.surˈra.re/.
Did you know?
- In Italian literature, authors often use the verb sussurrare to describe the movement of soft winds or the rustling of silk, treating the environment as if it were a living entity speaking.
- The verb sussurrare comes from the Latin word susurrāre, which could mean to whisper, hum, buzz or mutter.
- While sussurrare is the direct translation for whispering, Italians frequently use the expression dire sottovoce, which literally means 'to say under-voice'.
Examples in context
- La smetta di sussurrare.Stop whispering.This sentence is useful for learning how to tell someone to stop using the form sussurrare.Tatoeba #10697752 by Guybrush88, translation #9229924 by CK
- Durante la lezione, gli studenti sussurravano segreti l'uno all'altro.During the lesson, the students whispered secrets to each other.
- Durante la riunione, mi ha chiesto di parlare a bassa voce.During the meeting, he asked me to speak in a low voice.
- Durante il film horror, i ragazzi bisbigliavano per non spaventare gli altri spettatori.During the horror movie, the kids whispered to avoid scaring the other viewers.
- Durante la festa, Maria mi ha soffiato all'orecchio il suo piano.During the party, Maria whispered her plan in my ear.
- Sento qualcuno sussurrare nel corridoio.I hear someone whispering in the hallway.
- Puoi sussurrare per non svegliare il bambino?Can you whisper so you don't wake the baby?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are in a quiet library.
- SofiaFrancesco, per favore, non alzare la voce.Francesco, please, don't raise your voice.
- FrancescoHai ragione, devo sussurrare qui.You are right, I must whisper here.
- SofiaGrazie, la biblioteca è molto silenziosa.Thank you, the library is very quiet.
- FrancescoScusami, non volevo disturbare.Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sussurrare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sussurrare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
