Spanish Conversation · Level 156
30 words
Spanish word
ronco
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈroŋko/
Meaning
- adjectivehoarse
Example
Hoy tengo la voz ronca.
My voice is hoarse today.
More examples
El cantante evitó las notas altas porque tenía la voz ronca.
The singer avoided the high notes because he had a hoarse voice.
Core concept
Raspy, strained voice.
Common phrases
voz ronca
hoarse voice
tener la voz ronca
have a hoarse voice
Similar words
áspero: Rough, grainy voice quality with a coarse, abrasive texture.
apagado: Weak, faint voice that sounds soft and lacks resonance.
afónico: Voice barely present or absent, producing almost no sound.
grave: Low-pitched voice with a deep, weighty tone.
Definition in Spanish
Que produce o presenta una voz áspera y grave, con pérdida parcial de claridad, causada con frecuencia por esfuerzo, resfriado o inflamación de las cuerdas vocales.
Word origin
Ronco is the adjectival form of roncar, an onomatopoeic verb from a Latin-derived root meaning a low rumble, so it describes voices made rough or less clear by irritation or overuse of the vocal cords.
Usage tips
- Spanish normally uses estar ronco or tener la voz ronca for temporary hoarseness, and speakers often state the cause with por (por un resfriado, por haber gritado).