chillar
Lemma Details
Translation: to squeal; to screech; to shriek; to squeak; to scream; to squawk
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'sibilare' (to hiss or whistle), which evolved through Vulgar Latin. The word is onomatopoeic in nature, mimicking the high-pitched sound it describes. The 'ch' sound in Spanish often represents sharp, piercing noises, which aligns with the meaning of 'chillar'. English has similar onomatopoeic words like 'shrill' and 'chitter' that evoke comparable sounds.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El ratón chilló cuando vio al gato.
The mouse squeaked when it saw the cat.
Los niños chillaban de alegría en el parque.
The children were screaming with joy in the park.
La puerta vieja chilla cada vez que la abrimos.
The old door squeaks every time we open it.
No chilles tanto, me duelen los oídos.
Don't scream so much, my ears hurt.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chill' + 'air' – the sound chills the air with its sharpness.
- Associate with the English word 'shrill' which has a similar meaning and sound.
- Imagine the sound of chalk screeching on a chalkboard – 'ch-ch-chillar!'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'chillar' is often used to describe the high-pitched sounds made by children when they're upset or excited. It's also commonly used to describe the sounds of certain animals like pigs and mice. In some contexts, especially when referring to people, it can have a slightly negative connotation, implying an annoying or grating quality to the sound.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both 'chillar' and 'chirriar' refer to high-pitched sounds, 'chirriar' is more specifically used for mechanical or friction sounds (like rusty hinges), whereas 'chillar' is broader and often applies to living beings.
This word:
El bebé chilló cuando le quitaron el juguete.
The baby shrieked when they took away his toy.
Confused word:
La bicicleta chirría porque necesita aceite.
The bicycle squeaks because it needs oil.
Notes: Both words can sometimes be used interchangeably when referring to certain sounds, but 'chillar' is more versatile.
Mnemonic: 'Chillar' has one 'r' and is for living things; 'chirriar' has two 'r's and is for mechanical things that need repair.
Explanation: 'Chillar' refers to high-pitched screaming or squealing, while 'silbar' means 'to whistle', which is a more controlled and often melodic sound.
Confused word:
El hombre silbaba una canción mientras trabajaba.
The man was whistling a song while working.
Notes: Both involve air passing through a narrow opening, but 'chillar' is typically louder and more chaotic.
Mnemonic: Think of 'silbar' as similar to 'sibilant' in English, which relates to hissing or whistling sounds.