whispering
word · lemma: whisper
/ˈhwɪspɝɪŋ/
WIS-pur-ing
/wˈɪspəɹɪŋ/
WIS-pur-ing
Definition
Speaking very quietly, usually so only someone nearby can hear you. It is often used for secrets, privacy, or to avoid disturbing other people.
Usage & Nuances
Usually describes the action of speaking softly, not just the volume. Common patterns are 'start whispering', 'keep whispering', and 'whisper in someone's ear'. Learners often confuse it with 'murmuring': 'whispering' is quieter and more secretive.
Spanish: susurrar - cuchichearPortuguese (BR): sussurrarPortuguese (PT): sussurrarChinese (Simplified): 低声说 - 耳语Chinese (Traditional): 低聲說 - 耳語Hindi: फुसफुसानाArabic: يهمس - يتحدث بصوت منخفضBengali: ফিসফিসানি - চাপাস্বরে কথা বলাRussian: шёпот - шептаниеJapanese: ささやき - ささやくことVietnamese: thì thầmKorean: 속삭임 - 속삭이기Turkish: fısıldamaUrdu: سرگوشی - آہستہ بولناIndonesian: berbisik
Example Sentences
I could tell they were whispering about me.
natural
Can you stop whispering and just say it out loud?
natural
The children were whispering in the library.
basic
Why are you whispering to your friend?
basic
She heard people whispering outside the door.
basic
They stopped whispering as soon as I walked into the room.
natural