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trémulo means trembling — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 14, 2026

Beautiful Spanish

trémulo

adjective • /[TRE-mu-lo]/

trembling

Example:

Hablaba con voz trémula de emoción.

She spoke with a trembling voice of emotion.

🧠 What does trémulo mean?

The adjective 'trémulo' describes something that is trembling, quivering, or shaking slightly and often rapidly. It is typically used to characterize a physical state caused by fear, cold, weakness, emotion, or instability. While it can describe a person's body or hands, it is also frequently used in a more poetic or literary sense to describe a voice, a light (like a candle flame), or even a sound.

📚 Extra examples

  • Con una voz trémula, pidió disculpas por su error.
    With a trembling voice, he apologized for his mistake.
  • La luz trémula de la hoguera proyectaba sombras danzantes.
    The trembling light of the bonfire cast dancing shadows.
  • Sostenía la carta con manos trémulas por la emoción.
    She held the letter with hands trembling from emotion.
  • El sonido trémulo de las hojas se oía con el viento.
    The quivering sound of the leaves could be heard in the wind.

💡 Did You Know?

'Trémulo' comes directly from the Latin word 'tremulus', which also means 'shaking' or 'quivering'. Its English cognate is 'tremulous', and both words share a distinctly literary and formal tone compared to their more common synonyms ('shaky' or 'tembloroso').

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "trémulo"

Synonyms: tembloroso, vibrante, oscilante, vacilante
Opposites: firme, estable, seguro, fijo

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'trembling' in Spanish?
The most common translations are 'trémulo' and 'tembloroso'. 'Trémulo' is considered more literary or poetic, while 'tembloroso' is more common in everyday speech. The verb 'to tremble' is 'temblar'.
How do you pronounce 'trémulo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is TREH-moo-loh. The stress falls on the first syllable, which is indicated by the accent mark on the 'e'.
How do you use 'trémulo' in a sentence?
As an adjective, 'trémulo' must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. For example: 'una voz trémula' (a trembling voice) or 'unos reflejos trémulos' (some trembling reflections).
What is the English translation of 'trémulo'?
The primary English translations are 'trembling', 'quivering', 'shaky', or the more formal 'tremulous'.
Does 'trémulo' change for gender or number?
Yes, it does. The forms are: 'trémulo' (masculine singular), 'trémula' (feminine singular), 'trémulos' (masculine plural), and 'trémulas' (feminine plural).
Is 'trémulo' common in everyday Spanish?
It is not very common in casual, everyday conversation. You are more likely to encounter 'trémulo' in literature, poetry, formal descriptions, or artistic contexts. In daily speech, 'tembloroso' is often preferred.
Does 'trémulo' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'trémulo' does not have any common slang or secondary meanings. Its use is straightforward and consistent with its literal definition.
Is 'trémulo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the use and meaning of 'trémulo' are consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. It maintains its formal and literary character everywhere.

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