The verb graznar refers to the sound made by certain birds, particularly crows and ravens, typically associated with a harsh, croaking noise. This word is more commonly used in written contexts, especially in literary texts, but can also appear in spoken language when discussing or describing animal sounds.
Graznar is not extremely common in everyday conversation, as it pertains more to specific discussions about birds or the act of imitating animal sounds. Its frequency may increase in literary works, ornithology, and informal discussions about nature.
Crows usually croak at sunset.
El sonido de los patos graznando llenaba el aire.
The sound of the ducks croaking filled the air.
Escuché a un pájaro graznar desde el árbol.
While graznar is specific to the sound made by birds, it is also part of a few idiomatic expressions in Spanish, particularly related to criticism or negativity.
Don't be negative; you're croaking like a crow.
Graznar por despecho (to croak out of spite)
Sometimes, she only croaks out of spite.
Graznar en la oscuridad (to croak in the dark)
The word graznar comes from the voz de onomatopeya, imitating the sound that specific birds, mainly crows, make. The etymology traces its roots back to the late Latin, evolving within the vernacular to represent this specific avian call.
This comprehensive overview of the word graznar provides insight into its meaning, usage, and semantic connections in the Spanish language.