Spanish word

temblar

Pronunciation

IPA/temˈblaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbtremble

Example

Mis manos tiemblan cuando tengo frío.

My hands tremble when I'm cold.

Illustration for temblar (tremble)

More examples

Al ver la serpiente, temblé de miedo.

When I saw the snake, I trembled with fear.

Core concept

A person's hands or body shaking from cold, fear, or strong emotion.

Common phrases

  • temblar de frío

    tremble with cold

  • temblar de miedo

    tremble with fear

  • temblar de emoción

    tremble with emotion

Similar words

tiritar: Shivers from cold with body contracted, often hunched or curled.
estremecerse: Shudders suddenly from fear, surprise, or strong disgust.

Definition in Spanish

Experimentar movimientos temblorosos en el propio cuerpo o en algo cercano, normalmente involuntarios por frío, miedo o una emoción fuerte.

Word origin

Derives from Latin tremulare (root trem- 'to shake') and takes the Spanish infinitive ending -ar to form temblar.

Usage tips

  • In the present tense temblar shows an e→ie stem change in stressed forms (yo tiemblo, ella tiembla) while nosotros and vosotros keep tembl-.

Other meanings

  • shudderverb

Opposites

  • calmarsecalm downverb

Related words

Word lists with this word