Meaning of Murmurar in Brazilian Portuguese

Let’s learn the meaning of “Murmurar” in Brazilian Portuguese. This verb, which captures a common but subtle action, can enrich your understanding of everyday conversations and cultural nuances. In this blog post, we’ll explore its various meanings, usage examples from real-life dialogues to literature excerpts that highlight how Brazilians use it both literally and figuratively.

What is the Meaning of Murmurar in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “murmurar” carries a meaning similar to its English counterpart “to murmur.” It refers to speaking or making sounds in a low, soft voice that is not easily audible. Often used when describing someone talking quietly or whispering, it can also imply gossiping or grumbling about something discreetly. In Brazil’s rich tapestry of social interactions and communication styles, murmuring plays an integral role as people often use this form of speech for conveying messages subtly within various contexts—be it sharing secrets casually with friends or expressing dissent without drawing much attention.

Used in a Sentence:

Ela começou a murmurar uma canção suave enquanto cozinhava. – She began to murmur a soft song while cooking.

Os alunos estavam murmurando respostas uns aos outros durante o teste. – The students were murmuring answers to each other during the test.

À noite, você pode ouvir o vento murmurar através das árvores na floresta. – At night, you can hear the wind murmuring through the trees in the forest.

What is the Etymlogy of Murmurar

The etymology of “murmurar” in Brazilian Portuguese can be traced back to the Latin word “murmurare,” which means to murmur, mutter or whisper. This term itself is derived from the onomatopoeic root *murm-, representing a low and indistinct sound that resembles murmuring. Over time, this verb has been adopted into various Romance languages with similar meanings related to soft spoken sounds or whispers. In contemporary Brazilian Portuguese, “murmurar” encompasses both literal uses—such as speaking softly—and metaphorical ones like expressing discontent quietly among small groups.

Is there any Cultural Significance to Murmurar in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “murmurar” carries significant cultural weight beyond its literal meaning of whispering or murmuring. It often connotes gossiping or speaking ill about others in a low voice, which is culturally frowned upon yet prevalent as a social practice. This dual nature reflects broader themes within Brazilian society such as communal living and the importance of reputation and personal relationships. The act of ‘murmurar’ can serve both to bond individuals through shared confidences and to enforce social norms by subtly policing community behavior. Thus, while seemingly innocuous, murmurar encapsulates complex interactions that are deeply embedded in Brazil’s rich tapestry of interpersonal relations.

How do you Pronounce Murmurar in Brazilian Portuguese?

To pronounce “murmurar” in Brazilian Portuguese, start by saying the first syllable as ‘mur’, where the ‘u’ sounds like the ‘oo’ in ‘good’. The second and third syllables are pronounced as ‘mu-rar’, with a trilled or tapped ‘r’ that is very common in Portuguese. Both instances of “mu” should sound similar to each other. Emphasize on rolling your Rs slightly, especially for those not native to Romance languages; this will help you get closer to how it’s typically said by Brazilians. Lastly, ensure all vowels remain short and crisp without elongating them too much.

Synonyms and Antonyms

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “murmurar” primarily means to murmur or mutter—speaking in a low tone that is barely audible. Synonyms for “murmurar” include “sussurrar,” which translates as whispering softly and gently; “cochichar,” meaning to speak quietly into someone’s ear typically sharing secrets; and “falar baixo,” simply implying speaking in a soft voice. On the other hand, antonyms of “murmurar” would be verbs like “gritar” (to shout), indicating raising one’s voice loudly, or ”falar alto”, which means to talk loudly. These words reflect opposite actions where vocal expressions are concerned with volume and audibility distinct from murmuring.

What is Murmurar in Different Languages?

“Murmurar” in Brazilian Portuguese translates to “to murmur” or “to whisper,” conveying a soft, often secretive manner of speaking. This concept finds its parallels across various languages. For instance, in Spanish it is also known as “murmurar,” closely mirroring the Portuguese usage both phonetically and semantically. In English, the direct translation remains “to murmur.” French speakers would use “murmurer” while Italians say “mormorare.” Each variation carries with it subtle nuances influenced by cultural contexts but fundamentally refers to a low-toned form of communication that can imply intimacy, secrecy, or subtlety.

Collocations Using Murmurar in Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazilian Portuguese, “murmurar” is often used in various contexts and paired with different words to enhance its meaning. Common collocations include “murmurar palavras,” which translates to murmuring words softly under one’s breath, typically when someone is trying not to be heard or when expressing a secret thought. Another frequent use is “murmurar uma prece,” indicating the act of whispering a prayer, perhaps seeking comfort or solace quietly. Additionally, you might hear “murmurar de amor,” where lovers murmur sweet nothings to each other in intimate moments. Understanding these combinations can help non-native speakers grasp the subtleties of conversational nuances in Brazilian Portuguese.

What are some Mnemonics to use to Remember the Meaning of Murmurar in Brazilian Portuguese?

To help remember the meaning of “murmurar” in Brazilian Portuguese, which translates to “to murmur” or “to whisper,” you can use a simple mnemonic: think of the sound ‘murmur’ as soft and secretive speech. Picture someone murmuring secrets softly into another’s ear. The repetition of the ‘mur’ sound mimics this low, indistinct noise that is characteristic of both words across English and Portuguese. This auditory association makes it easier to recall that “murmurar” involves speaking in hushed tones just like its English counterpart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “murmurar” in Brazilian Portuguese captures the essence of whispering or murmuring, often used to describe speaking softly or gossiping. This word beautifully illustrates how language can provide nuanced ways of expressing actions and intentions that might seem simple at first glance. As you continue your journey learning Brazilian Portuguese, embracing words like murmurar will not only enhance your vocabulary but also deepen your understanding of the rich cultural subtleties embedded within this vibrant language. Keep exploring new terms and practicing regularly; each word is a step closer to mastering the artful dance of communication in Brazilian Portuguese.