gruñir

Senses

1. 1.

   to grunt

   to make a short, deep sound, especially as a pig does

2. 2.

   to grumble

   to complain in a low, discontented way

3. 3.

   to growl

   to make a threatening, low sound (of a dog or person)

Examples

• "El cerdo gruñe en la pocilga."

  The pig grunts in the pigsty.

• "Gruñía por cada pequeña molestia."

  He grumbled about every little annoyance.

• "El perro gruñó al oír la puerta."

  The dog growled when it heard the door.

Usage

Gruñir is used for animals (especially pigs) making natural sounds, and metaphorically for people complaining or expressing discontent in an irritable way. It conveys a somewhat pejorative tone when applied to humans-don't use it for polite complaints.