Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/zumˈbi.ðo/

Translation Options into English

• Buzz
• Hum
• Drone

Meaning and Usage

The word "zumbido" refers to the sound made by certain insects, like bees or flies, and also to sounds that create a continuous low-frequency noise, such as that of machinery or electronic devices. In colloquial usage, it can refer to the background noise that can be distracting or bothersome.

Frequency of Use: "Zumbido" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, though it may appear more frequently in descriptive texts or conversations discussing nature or specific sounds.

Oral vs. Written Context: It is often used in oral speech, especially in casual conversation when referring to annoying noises or the sound characteristics of an environment.

Example Sentences

1. El zumbido de los mosquitos me mantuvo despierto toda la noche.
   The buzz of the mosquitoes kept me awake all night.

2. Desde la ventana, se escucha el zumbido de la ciudad.
   From the window, you can hear the hum of the city.

3. La máquina produce un zumbido constante que es difícil de soportar.
   The machine produces a constant drone that is hard to bear.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "zumbido" appears in various idiomatic expressions, often conveying annoyance or the atmosphere created by certain sounds.

1. Zumbido en la cabeza
   Buzz in the head
   Usado para describir un sonido persistente que afecta la concentración.
   Used to describe a persistent sound that affects concentration.
   Ejemplo: Después de la fiesta, tuve un zumbido en la cabeza por horas.
   After the party, I had a buzz in my head for hours.

2. No hay zumbido sin miel
   There's no buzz without honey
   Refiere a los esfuerzos que requieren un cierto beneficio.
   Refers to efforts that require a certain benefit.
   Ejemplo: Si quieres éxito, recuerda que no hay zumbido sin miel.
   If you want success, remember that there’s no buzz without honey.

3. Zumbido de fondo
   Background buzz
   Utilizado para describir un sonido constante que se escucha detrás de lo que es más prominente.
   Used to describe a constant sound heard behind what's more prominent.
   Ejemplo: Durante la presentación, había un zumbido de fondo que distraía.
   During the presentation, there was a background buzz that was distracting.

Etymology

The word "zumbido" comes from the Spanish verb "zumbar," which means "to buzz" or "to hum." The etymology relates to the characteristic sound produced by certain insects and mechanical devices.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Murmullo (murmur) - Ruido (noise)

Antonyms: - Silencio (silence) - Quietud (quietness)