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B1 verb #6,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

temblar

Top 6,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces temblar en 30 secondes

Explication temblar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'temblar' as a simple word to describe how you feel when it is very cold. Imagine you are standing outside in the winter without a coat. You start to shake. In Spanish, you say 'Yo tiemblo'. It is important to know that this verb changes its spelling slightly in the present tense: 'temblar' becomes 'tiemblo' for 'I', 'tiemblas' for 'you', and 'tiembla' for 'he/she'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember the phrase 'Tengo frío y tiemblo' (I am cold and I am shaking). You might also hear it when someone is very scared in a movie. The main goal at this level is to recognize the word when you hear it in basic stories or conversations about the weather and simple feelings.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'temblar' to describe more situations, like being nervous before a test or an interview. You should learn the common construction 'temblar de' followed by a noun. For example, 'tiemblo de miedo' (I shake with fear) or 'tiemblo de frío' (I shake with cold). At this stage, you should also be comfortable with the present tense conjugations, including the 'e' to 'ie' change in the boot forms (tiemblo, tiemblas, tiembla, tiemblan) and the regular forms (temblamos, tembláis). You can also use it in the past tense (preterite) to describe a specific moment: 'Ayer tembló un poco' (Yesterday there was a small earthquake). You are beginning to see how this verb describes both people and the earth.

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For B1 learners, 'temblar' becomes a tool for more detailed descriptions of physical and emotional states. You should master the use of the indirect object pronoun to say things like 'Me tiemblan las manos' (My hands are shaking), which is more natural than 'Mis manos tiemblan'. You should also distinguish between 'temblar' (involuntary) and 'sacudir' (voluntary shaking of an object). At this level, you are expected to use the verb in various tenses, including the imperfect ('temblaba') to set the scene in a story, and the present subjunctive ('espero que no tiemble'). You also start to learn related words like 'temblor' (a tremor) and 'tembloroso' (shaky/trembling). You can now describe complex situations where someone is shaking with rage or excitement.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'temblar' in metaphorical and idiomatic ways. You might describe a political situation where a government is 'temblando' due to protests, or a market that is 'temblando' because of economic instability. You should also be familiar with more literary synonyms like 'estremecerse' and know exactly when to choose 'temblar' over 'tiritar' or 'vibrar'. Your grammar should be precise, correctly handling the stem changes in all necessary moods and tenses. You can also use the verb with the preposition 'ante' to show intimidation: 'El criminal temblaba ante el juez'. At this stage, your use of the word feels nuanced and fits the specific context of the conversation or text.

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By the C1 level, your understanding of 'temblar' should include its use in high-level literature and formal reporting. You can appreciate the subtle differences between 'temblar', 'palpitar', and 'estremecerse' in a poetic text. You use the verb to describe subtle nuances, such as a 'voz temblorosa' (a trembling voice) that conveys a specific subtext in a narrative. You are also aware of regional variations, such as how 'temblar' is used in seismic zones compared to non-seismic zones. You can discuss abstract concepts like 'hacer temblar los cimientos de la sociedad' (to shake the foundations of society). Your command of the verb allows you to use it with perfect stylistic appropriateness in both academic essays and informal debates.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'temblar' and all its related forms and idioms. You can use it to create vivid imagery in your own writing, choosing it for its specific phonetics and connotations. You understand the historical etymology from the Latin 'tremulare' and how it relates to other Romance languages. You can use 'temblar' in highly sophisticated ways, such as describing the 'temblor de una nota musical' (the vibrato of a musical note) or the 'temblar de la luz' (the flickering of light). You are also capable of identifying and using rare or archaic forms in literature. Your use of the verb is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, incorporating it seamlessly into complex rhetorical structures.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

temblar en 30 secondes

Temblar is a Spanish verb meaning 'to shake' or 'to tremble,' primarily used for involuntary movements caused by cold, fear, or seismic activity.
It is a stem-changing verb (e to ie) in the present tense, following the typical 'boot' pattern for regular -ar verbs.
Commonly paired with the preposition 'de' to indicate the cause, such as 'temblar de miedo' (shaking with fear) or 'temblar de frío' (shaking with cold).
It differs from 'sacudir' (to shake something) and 'tiritar' (specifically shivering from cold), making it a versatile yet specific term in Spanish.

The Spanish verb temblar is a versatile and essential term used to describe the act of shaking, vibrating, or quivering. At its core, it refers to involuntary movements that are typically rapid and small in scale. While the English equivalent is most often 'to tremble' or 'to shake,' the Spanish temblar carries specific nuances depending on the physical or emotional catalyst behind the movement. It is a radical-changing verb (e:ie), which means that in many of its conjugated forms, the 'e' in the stem changes to an 'ie' (e.g., yo tiemblo). Understanding this verb is crucial for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between simple physical descriptions and more complex emotional expressions.

Physical Sensation: The most common use involves the body's reaction to external temperatures. When a person is extremely cold, their muscles contract and relax rapidly to generate heat. In Spanish, we say tiemblo de frío (I am shaking with cold).
Emotional Response: Beyond the physical, temblar is the go-to verb for fear, anxiety, or intense excitement. If someone is about to give a speech or is facing a frightening situation, their hands might shake (le tiemblan las manos). It conveys a loss of control over one's motor functions due to internal pressure.

Cuando vio al oso en el bosque, empezó a temblar de puro miedo.

Furthermore, temblar is used to describe inanimate objects or the earth itself. In seismically active regions like Chile or Mexico, the ground doesn't just 'move'; it tiembla. This gives rise to the noun temblor, which is a common word for a minor earthquake or tremor. You might also hear it used to describe a building shaking as a heavy truck passes by or a leaf quivering in the wind. The breadth of its application makes it a high-frequency verb in both daily conversation and literary descriptions.

El suelo comenzó a temblar suavemente justo antes del gran terremoto.

In metaphorical contexts, temblar can describe a state of instability. A government might 'temblar' before a revolution, or a business might 'temblar' during a financial crisis. It suggests a vulnerability and a lack of solid foundation. For a Spanish learner, mastering this word involves recognizing these layers of meaning—from the literal shivering of a child in the snow to the metaphorical instability of a political regime.

Sus piernas empezaron a temblar cuando se dio cuenta de que tenía que hablar en público.

Geological Context: In many Spanish-speaking countries, está temblando is the standard way to announce that an earthquake is happening at that very moment.

La gelatina en el plato no dejaba de temblar mientras el niño movía la mesa.

Las hojas de los árboles suelen temblar con la brisa de la tarde.

Register and Usage: It is used in all registers, from medical descriptions of Parkinson's tremors to poetic descriptions of a lover's voice.

Using temblar correctly requires attention to two main things: its stem-changing conjugation and the prepositions that often follow it. As a radical-changing verb of the first conjugation (-ar), the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' in all present tense forms except nosotros and vosotros. For example: yo tiemblo, tú tiemblas, él tiembla, ellos tiemblan. However, in the preterite, it is regular: yo temblé, tú temblaste. This distinction is vital for intermediate learners to master. When you want to specify the cause of the shaking, the preposition de is almost always used.

Temblar de + Noun: This is the most common construction. Temblar de miedo (to shake with fear), temblar de frío (to shake with cold), temblar de rabia (to shake with rage), or temblar de emoción (to shake with emotion).

El niño no paraba de temblar de frío después de salir de la piscina.

Another common sentence pattern involves parts of the body as the subject. In English, we often say 'My hands are shaking,' but in Spanish, it is more natural to use the dative of possession or simply state the body part as the subject. For instance, Me tiemblan las manos (My hands are shaking to/for me) or Mis manos tiemblan. The former is much more common in colloquial speech. Using the indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, les) emphasizes that the shaking is an involuntary experience happening to the person.

¿Te tiemblan las piernas antes de un examen importante?

In more advanced or literary contexts, temblar can be followed by ante (in front of/before). This is used when someone is intimidated by someone else's presence or power. Él temblaba ante su jefe (He trembled before his boss). This construction adds a layer of subservience or profound respect/fear to the action. It is also used with abstract concepts: temblar ante la incertidumbre (to tremble before uncertainty).

Continuous Action: To describe an ongoing state of shaking, use the gerund: estar temblando. 'I am currently shaking' becomes Estoy temblando.

La voz de la cantante empezó a temblar al final de la canción triste.

Incluso las paredes de la casa parecen temblar cuando truena tan fuerte.

No dejes que el miedo te haga temblar durante la entrevista.

Preterite vs. Imperfect: Tembló (Preterite) indicates a specific moment of shaking, like an earthquake. Temblaba (Imperfect) describes a continuous state of shivering in the past.

In the real world, temblar is a word that appears in very specific yet common scenarios. One of the most frequent places you will encounter it is in the news, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity. In countries like Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Japan (in Spanish-language news), the verb temblar is used to report seismic events. Headlines like 'Sigue temblando en el sur' (It continues to shake in the south) are common aftershocks or during earthquake swarms. In these contexts, it carries a weight of urgency and shared experience among the population.

News & Weather: News anchors will use it to describe the intensity of a tremor: 'La tierra tembló con una fuerza de 5.2 grados'. It is also used in weather reports to describe the effects of extreme cold on the population.

Ayer tembló tres veces en la Ciudad de México, pero no hubo daños.

In the medical field, doctors and nurses use temblar to discuss symptoms. If a patient has a fever or a neurological condition, the medical professional might ask, '¿Le tiemblan las manos a menudo?' (Do your hands shake often?). In this professional setting, the word remains the standard term, though they might also use the technical noun temblor or tremor. This highlights the word's utility across different levels of formality.

El paciente empezó a temblar incontroladamente debido a la fiebre alta.

Literature and music are also rich with temblar. It is a favorite of poets and songwriters to describe the physical effects of passion, fear, or vulnerability. In a romantic ballad, you might hear 'Tiemblo cuando te veo' (I tremble when I see you). In a thriller novel, a character might 'temblar como una hoja' (shake like a leaf). Because the word conveys a visceral, involuntary reaction, it is perfect for evocative storytelling. It captures the moment when the body betrays the mind's attempt to stay calm.

En la canción, él dice que su corazón empieza a temblar cada vez que ella lo llama.

Daily Life: You'll hear it at the gym when someone's muscles are failing ('Me tiemblan los brazos') or in the kitchen if someone is nervous while cutting vegetables.

Después de correr el maratón, mis piernas no paraban de temblar.

La luz de la vela hacía temblar las sombras en la pared de la cueva.

Idiomatic Use: 'Hacer temblar a alguien' can mean to intimidate someone or to make them very nervous.

One of the most frequent pitfalls for English speakers learning temblar is the confusion between it and other 'shaking' verbs like sacudir or mover. In English, we use 'shake' for almost everything: shaking a rug, shaking hands, or shaking from cold. In Spanish, these are distinct actions. Temblar is strictly for the involuntary vibration of the subject itself. If you say '*Temblé la alfombra*' (I trembled the rug), it sounds like the rug was scared of you and started shivering. To shake an object, you must use sacudir.

Temblar vs. Sacudir: Temblar: Involuntary (I shake from cold). Sacudir: Voluntary/External (I shake the dust off my jacket).

No digas 'temblar las manos' para saludar; para eso se dice 'dar la mano' o 'estrechar la mano'.

Another common error involves the stem change. Because temblar is an 'e to ie' verb, students often forget to change the vowel in the present tense. Saying '*Yo temblo*' instead of Yo tiemblo is a classic mistake. Conversely, students sometimes over-apply the rule and change the vowel in the preterite (*yo tiemblé*), which is incorrect because the stem change only happens in the present tense and present subjunctive for -ar verbs. Mastery of these irregular patterns is what separates a B1 learner from an A2 learner.

Es incorrecto decir 'tiemblamos'; la forma correcta es temblamos porque no cambia en nosotros.

Preposition usage is another area where mistakes occur. English speakers often want to use 'with' (con) because we say 'shake with fear.' While temblar con miedo is technically understandable, the standard and much more natural preposition is de. Saying temblar de miedo sounds native; temblar con miedo sounds like a literal translation from English. Similarly, don't use por unless you are explaining a reason in a more complex sentence structure.

Preposition Errors: Avoid: 'Temblar con frío'. Use: 'Temblar de frío'. The preposition 'de' indicates the source or cause of the involuntary action.

Ella temblaba de rabia, no con rabia, al escuchar la noticia injusta.

No confundas temblar con 'tiritar', que es específicamente para el frío extremo.

Transitivity: Remember: 'Temblar' cannot have a direct object. You cannot 'temblar' a person. You can 'hacer temblar' (make someone tremble).

Spanish is a language rich in synonyms that allow for precise descriptions of movement. While temblar is the general term for shaking, several other verbs can be used to add color or specificity to your speech. For instance, tiritar is used exclusively for shivering due to cold. If you are in the snow and your teeth are chattering, tiritar is much more descriptive than temblar. It specifically evokes the sound and the rhythmic nature of a cold-induced shiver.

Temblar vs. Tiritar: Temblar is general (fear, cold, earthquakes). Tiritar is specific to cold or feverish chills. You would never 'tiritar de miedo' unless you are also freezing.

El perro estaba tiritando bajo la lluvia, así que lo entramos en casa.

Another powerful alternative is estremecerse. This verb often implies a sudden, violent, or deep internal shake, often caused by a strong emotion or a sudden realization. It is frequently translated as 'to shudder' or 'to be shaken to the core.' While temblar might describe the visible movement of the hands, estremecerse describes the internal jolt of the entire body or soul. It is a more literary and emotionally charged word.

Se estremeció al pensar en lo que podría haber pasado en el accidente.

For mechanical or technical contexts, vibrar is the best choice. A phone 'vibrates,' it doesn't 'tremble' (unless you're personifying it). In music, a string 'vibrates' to produce sound. If you want to describe a swaying movement, like a tall building in the wind or a bridge, you might use oscilar or balancearse. These verbs imply a wider, slower movement than the rapid, small-scale shaking of temblar.

Quivers and Twitches: For a very small, localized shake—like an eyelid—use tener un tic or palpitar. For a quick, sharp movement, use sacudirse (reflexive).

La cuerda del violín no paraba de vibrar después de la última nota.

Toda la ciudad vibraba con el sonido de los tambores durante el carnaval.

A Note on 'Sacudir': Remember that sacudir is active. 'Sacudí mi paraguas' (I shook my umbrella). You cannot use temblar in this way.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'tremble' and the Spanish 'temblar' share the same Latin root, making them cognates. The 'b' in both words was added over time to make the transition between the 'm' and 'l' sounds easier for the tongue.

Guide de prononciation

UK /temˈblaɾ/

US /temˈblɑr/

The stress is on the last syllable 'blar' because it ends in 'r' and has no accent mark.

Rime avec

hablar cantar mirar andar llegar pensar soñar amar

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (aspiration) like in English 'table'.
Over-rolling the final 'r' (it should be a single tap, not a trill).
Failing to change the 'e' to 'ie' in stressed syllables (e.g., saying 'temblo' instead of 'tiemblo').
Pronouncing the 'e' like the English 'ee' in 'see'.
Stressing the first syllable 'tem' instead of the last.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'tremble'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the e->ie stem change in the present tense.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronouncing the tapped 'r' at the end and managing the stem change can be tricky.

Écoute 2/5

Generally clear, though in fast speech the 'm' and 'b' can blend.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

frío miedo mover tierra cuerpo

Apprends ensuite

estremecerse tiritar sacudir vibrar terremoto

Avancé

oscilación trepidación convulsión titubeo vacilación

Grammaire à connaître

Stem-changing verbs (e -> ie)

Temblar -> Yo tiemblo (present indicative).

Verbs of emotion + Subjunctive

Me da miedo que la tierra tiemble.

Dative of possession for body parts

Me tiemblan las manos (instead of 'Mis manos tiemblan').

Preposition 'de' to indicate cause

Temblar de frío / Temblar de alegría.

Intransitive verb usage

La tierra tiembla (no direct object possible).

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Exemples par niveau

Yo tiemblo cuando hace mucho frío.

I shake when it is very cold.

Present tense: e -> ie change in 'tiemblo'.

El perro tiembla en el agua.

The dog shakes in the water.

Third person singular present: 'tiembla'.

¿Tú tiemblas de miedo?

Do you shake with fear?

Question form using the preposition 'de'.

Nosotros no temblamos aquí.

We don't shake here.

Nosotros form: no stem change occurs.

La mesa tiembla un poco.

The table shakes a little.

Using 'temblar' for inanimate objects.

Ella tiembla porque tiene fiebre.

She shakes because she has a fever.

Cause indicated by 'porque'.

Ellos tiemblan en la nieve.

They shake in the snow.

Third person plural present: 'tiemblan'.

¡Mira! El gato tiembla.

Look! The cat is shaking.

Exclamatory use of the present tense.

Ayer temblé de frío en la parada del autobús.

Yesterday I shook with cold at the bus stop.

Preterite tense: 'temblé' is regular.

Me tiemblan las manos cuando estoy nervioso.

My hands shake when I am nervous.

Dative of possession: 'Me tiemblan'.

La tierra tembló durante cinco segundos.

The earth shook for five seconds.

Preterite tense for a completed action.

No tiembles, todo va a estar bien.

Don't shake, everything is going to be fine.

Negative imperative (subjunctive): 'no tiembles'.

Siempre temblamos de emoción en los conciertos.

We always shake with excitement at concerts.

Present tense 'nosotros' with 'siempre'.

El edificio temblaba cuando pasaba el tren.

The building used to shake when the train passed.

Imperfect tense: 'temblaba' for repeated actions.

Le temblaba la voz al hablar por teléfono.

His/her voice was shaking while talking on the phone.

Imperfect tense with indirect object pronoun 'le'.

¿Has temblado alguna vez de rabia?

Have you ever shaken with rage?

Present perfect: 'has temblado'.

Es normal que te tiemblen las piernas antes de actuar.

It is normal for your legs to shake before performing.

Subjunctive mood after 'es normal que'.

Si no llevaras abrigo, temblarías de frío.

If you weren't wearing a coat, you would shake with cold.

Conditional tense: 'temblarías'.

La gelatina tiembla en el plato con cada movimiento.

The jelly shakes on the plate with every movement.

Describing involuntary movement of an object.

Había temblado tanto que no podía sostener el vaso.

He had shaken so much that he couldn't hold the glass.

Past perfect (pluscuamperfecto): 'había temblado'.

No dejes que el miedo te haga temblar.

Don't let fear make you shake.

Causative construction: 'hacer' + infinitive.

Cuando el suelo empezó a temblar, todos salieron a la calle.

When the ground started to shake, everyone went out to the street.

Preterite tense for a sudden event.

Sigo temblando a pesar de estar en casa.

I am still shaking despite being at home.

Gerund with 'seguir' to indicate continued action.

Me puse a temblar en cuanto vi la factura.

I started to shake as soon as I saw the bill.

Periphrasis 'ponerse a' + infinitive.

Su pulso empezó a temblar mientras intentaba desactivar la bomba.

His pulse began to shake as he tried to defuse the bomb.

Metaphorical use of 'temblar' for pulse/steadiness.

El régimen político tembló ante las protestas masivas.

The political regime shook in the face of massive protests.

Metaphorical use for instability.

Aunque parezca valiente, por dentro está temblando.

Although he seems brave, inside he is shaking.

Contrast between appearance and internal state.

Las hojas del sauce temblaban con la suave brisa del río.

The willow leaves were shaking with the gentle river breeze.

Literary description of nature.

Me tembló la mano al firmar el divorcio.

My hand shook when signing the divorce papers.

Preterite indicating a specific emotional moment.

Temblar ante la idea de perder el trabajo es una reacción humana.

Trembling at the idea of losing one's job is a human reaction.

Infinitive used as a noun subject.

La voz le tembló, revelando su verdadera tristeza.

His/her voice shook, revealing his/her true sadness.

Involuntary physical cue in storytelling.

No creo que la estructura tiemble con este viento.

I don't think the structure will shake with this wind.

Subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

La noticia hizo temblar los cimientos de la industria tecnológica.

The news shook the foundations of the tech industry.

Advanced metaphorical expression.

Al oír su sentencia, el acusado no pudo evitar temblar visiblemente.

Upon hearing his sentence, the accused could not help but shake visibly.

Use of 'no pudo evitar' + infinitive.

Las sombras temblaban en la pared al son de las llamas.

The shadows shook on the wall to the rhythm of the flames.

Poetic personification of shadows.

Temblaba de pies a cabeza, incapaz de articular palabra alguna.

He was shaking from head to toe, unable to utter a single word.

Idiomatic expression 'de pies a cabeza'.

Su resolución empezó a temblar cuando vio las consecuencias de sus actos.

His resolve began to waver (shake) when he saw the consequences of his acts.

Abstract usage of 'temblar' for 'resolve'.

El violonchelista controlaba el vibrato para que la nota no pareciera temblar.

The cellist controlled the vibrato so the note wouldn't seem to shake.

Technical context related to music.

Es imperativo que el suelo no tiemble durante el experimento de precisión.

It is imperative that the ground does not shake during the precision experiment.

Formal impersonal expression + subjunctive.

Aquel encuentro fortuito me hizo temblar de una manera que no puedo explicar.

That chance encounter made me shake in a way I cannot explain.

Describing deep emotional impact.

La mera mención de su nombre hacía temblar al más valiente de los guerreros.

The mere mention of his name made the bravest of warriors tremble.

Hyperbolic and literary usage.

La luz de las estrellas parecía temblar en el firmamento gélido.

The starlight seemed to quiver (shake) in the frozen firmament.

High-level poetic imagery.

El pulso de la historia tiembla en cada decisión que tomamos como sociedad.

The pulse of history trembles in every decision we make as a society.

Highly abstract and philosophical metaphor.

Bajo la superficie de calma, la rabia contenida le hacía temblar imperceptiblemente.

Beneath the surface of calm, contained rage made him shake imperceptibly.

Nuanced description of internal conflict.

No es que el puente tiemble, es que resuena con la frecuencia del viento.

It's not that the bridge shakes, it's that it resonates with the wind's frequency.

Precise distinction between shaking and resonance.

El anciano, con voz que empezaba a temblar por los años, narró su odisea.

The old man, with a voice starting to shake from the years, narrated his odyssey.

Describing the effects of aging.

Sentí cómo temblaba el equilibrio de fuerzas en la habitación tras su entrada.

I felt how the balance of forces in the room shook after her entry.

Metaphorical use for social dynamics.

Cada vez que el volcán ruge, las entrañas de la tierra parecen temblar de pavor.

Every time the volcano roars, the earth's innards seem to shake with dread.

Personification of geological processes.

Collocations courantes

temblar de miedo

temblar de frío

temblar de rabia

hacer temblar

temblar como una hoja

temblar ante alguien

sentir temblar la tierra

empezar a temblar

temblar de emoción

sin temblar

Phrases Courantes

No dejes de temblar

— Often used in songs or poetry to describe continuous excitement or passion.

No dejes de temblar cuando me abrazas.

Me tiemblan las piernas

— Common way to say your legs are weak from fear or exertion.

Me tiemblan las piernas después de subir la cuesta.

Está temblando

— The standard phrase used during an earthquake to alert others.

¡Corred afuera, está temblando!

Tiemblo con solo pensarlo

— Used when an idea or memory is particularly frightening or intense.

Tiemblo con solo pensarlo, fue un accidente horrible.

Hacer temblar los cimientos

— To challenge or disrupt the basic principles of something.

Este descubrimiento hará temblar los cimientos de la ciencia.

Temblar de pies a cabeza

— To shake completely throughout the entire body.

Llegó a casa temblando de pies a cabeza por la lluvia.

Sin que le tiemble el pulso

— To do something with great determination and without hesitation.

Tomó la decisión difícil sin que le temblara el pulso.

Temblar ante la duda

— To feel insecure or unstable when faced with a difficult choice.

No podemos permitirnos temblar ante la duda ahora.

Ponerse a temblar

— To start shaking suddenly.

Se puso a temblar cuando vio la araña.

Temblar como un flan

— A colloquial way to say someone is shaking very noticeably, like a custard dessert.

Estaba temblando como un flan antes de la entrevista.

Souvent confondu avec

temblar vs sacudir

English 'shake' covers both, but 'sacudir' is for objects and is voluntary/external.

temblar vs tiritar

Specifically for cold; 'temblar' is more general.

temblar vs vibrar

Used for mechanical or high-frequency oscillations like a phone.

Expressions idiomatiques

"temblar como una hoja"

— To shake excessively, usually from fear or cold, similar to 'shake like a leaf'.

Cuando entró al despacho del director, temblaba como una hoja.

informal/neutral

"hacer temblar la tierra"

— To do something of such magnitude that it has a global or massive impact.

Su discurso hizo temblar la tierra en el ámbito político.

literary

"no temblarle el pulso a alguien"

— To be firm and resolute, especially when making difficult or controversial decisions.

Al juez no le tembló el pulso al dictar la sentencia máxima.

neutral

"temblar de risa"

— To shake or double over because of intense laughter.

Nos contó un chiste tan bueno que temblábamos de risa.

informal

"temblar el misterio"

— A somewhat poetic or dramatic way to say that something is about to be revealed or is very tense.

En ese momento de silencio, parecía temblar el misterio.

literary

"hacer temblar las carnes"

— To cause a physical sensation of dread or horror in someone.

Esa película de terror hace temblar las carnes.

informal/regional

"temblar ante la sombra"

— To be very cowardly or afraid of things that aren't actually dangerous.

Desde el robo, tiembla ante su propia sombra.

neutral

"hacer temblar el bolsillo"

— To be very expensive or to cause a significant financial strain.

La reparación del coche va a hacer temblar mi bolsillo.

informal

"temblar de gozo"

— To shake with intense pleasure or joy.

Temblaba de gozo al ver a su hijo graduarse.

neutral

"temblar como un azogado"

— To shake or move restlessly, referring to mercury (azogue) poisoning symptoms.

Estás tan inquieto que tiemblas como un azogado.

colloquial/old-fashioned

Facile à confondre

temblar vs sacudir

Both translate to 'shake' in English.

Temblar is intransitive and involuntary (the subject shakes). Sacudir is transitive and usually voluntary (you shake something else).

Yo tiemblo de frío (I shake), pero yo sacudo la alfombra (I shake the rug).

temblar vs tiritar

Both describe physical shivering.

Tiritar is only for cold or fever. Temblar can be for cold, fear, earthquakes, or excitement.

Tiritaba en la nieve, pero temblaba de miedo ante el fantasma.

temblar vs mover

Temblar is a type of moving.

Mover is general movement. Temblar is specifically fast, small, involuntary vibrations.

Moví la silla, pero la mesa temblaba por el camión.

temblar vs estremecerse

Both mean to shake/shudder.

Estremecerse is more intense, often a single sudden jolt or a deep emotional reaction. Temblar is usually continuous.

Se estremeció con el trueno y luego siguió temblando de miedo.

temblar vs vibrar

Both involve rapid oscillation.

Vibrar is mostly for machines, instruments, or voices. Temblar is for bodies and the earth.

Mi móvil vibra, pero mis manos tiemblan.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] + temblar

El perro tiembla.

Temblar + de + [Noun]

Tiemblo de frío.

Me/Te/Le + tiemblan + [Body Part]

Me tiemblan las piernas.

Empezar a + temblar

Empezó a temblar de miedo.

Hacer + temblar + a + [Person]

La noticia hizo temblar a todos.

Temblar + ante + [Abstract Noun]

Temblaba ante la incertidumbre.

Sin que + [Subject] + tiemble

Firmó sin que le temblara el pulso.

Parecer + temblar + [Literary Context]

Las estrellas parecían temblar en el cielo.

Famille de mots

Noms

temblor (tremor/shaking)

tembleque (shaking/shiver)

temblante (shaking person/thing)

temblorina (nervous shaking)

Verbes

retemblar (to shake repeatedly or strongly)

estremecer (to shake/shudder)

Adjectifs

tembloroso (trembling/shaky)

temblante (trembling)

intemblable (that which does not shake - rare)

Apparenté

terremoto (earthquake)

seísmo (seism)

vibración (vibration)

escalofrío (chill)

miedo (fear)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Highly common in daily speech, literature, and news.

Erreurs courantes

Yo temblo de frío. → Yo tiemblo de frío.
Forgot the e -> ie stem change in the present tense.
Temblé la alfombra. → Sacudí la alfombra.
Used 'temblar' (involuntary) instead of 'sacudir' (voluntary shaking of an object).
Tiemblo con miedo. → Tiemblo de miedo.
Used the preposition 'con' instead of the standard 'de' to indicate cause.
Nosotros tiemblamos. → Nosotros temblamos.
Applied the stem change to the 'nosotros' form, which is always regular.
Mis manos están temblando. → Me tiemblan las manos.
While not grammatically wrong, the second version is much more natural for native speakers.

Astuces

Stem Change Alert

Remember the 'boot' rule for the present tense. The 'e' changes to 'ie' in all forms except the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms. This is a common B1 hurdle.

Use 'De' for Cause

Always use 'de' to explain why someone is shaking. 'Temblar de frío' is the standard way to express 'shaking with cold'. Avoid using 'con' in this specific context.

Body Parts Pattern

To sound like a native, use 'Me tiemblan las...' + body part. It’s much more common than saying 'Mis manos tiemblan'. It emphasizes the involuntary nature of the action.

Earthquake Etiquette

In seismic zones, 'está temblando' is a critical phrase. It acts as an immediate warning. Use it if you feel the ground move even slightly.

Literary Flair

In stories, use 'temblar' to describe a flickering candle flame or shadows on a wall. It adds a sense of movement and life to inanimate descriptions.

Temblar vs. Vibrar

Reserve 'vibrar' for phones and machines. Use 'temblar' for living things and the ground. Using 'vibrar' for a person sounds like they are a robot!

Cognate Connection

Associate 'temblar' with 'tremble'. They share the same roots and meanings, which makes it one of the easier verbs to remember once you know the stem change.

Soft T

Keep the 't' in 'temblar' soft and dental. Don't let a puff of air escape as you do in English. This will instantly improve your accent.

The Leaf Simile

Learn 'temblar como una hoja'. It's a very common idiom across all Spanish-speaking countries to describe someone who is extremely scared or cold.

Preterite is Regular

Good news! In the past tense (preterite), 'temblar' is completely regular. No stem changes here. 'Yo temblé', 'él tembló'. Focus your energy on the present tense irregularities.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'temple' (tem-) that is 'blaring' (-blar) music so loud that the whole building starts to shake. Tem-blar.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bowl of jelly (tembleque) on a table during a small earthquake. The jelly is 'temblando'.

Word Web

frío miedo tierra manos voz terremoto nervios hoja

Défi

Try to use 'temblar' in three different ways today: once for cold, once for an emotion, and once for an object.

Origine du mot

From the Vulgar Latin *tremulare*, which is a frequentative form of the Classical Latin *tremere*.

Sens originel : To tremble, quake, or quiver.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Ibero-Romance > Spanish.

Contexte culturel

Be mindful when using 'temblar' to describe someone with a medical condition; it is better to use neutral, clinical language if appropriate.

English speakers often use 'shake' for both voluntary and involuntary actions, whereas Spanish speakers are more precise with 'temblar'.

The Mexican National Anthem: 'y retiemble en sus centros la tierra' (and let the earth tremble at its centers). Pablo Neruda's poetry often uses 'temblar' to describe nature. The song 'Temblor' by the band Soda Stereo.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Weather (Cold)

Tiemblo de frío.
No dejes de temblar.
Hace un frío que hace temblar.
Me puse a temblar por la nieve.

Emotions (Fear/Nerves)

Me tiemblan las manos.
Estaba temblando de miedo.
Su voz empezó a temblar.
Tiemblo ante la idea.

Geology (Earthquakes)

Está temblando.
La tierra tembló fuerte.
Sentí temblar el suelo.
¿Tembló anoche?

Inanimate Objects

La gelatina tiembla.
Las hojas tiemblan.
El motor hace temblar el coche.
La mesa tiembla si te apoyas.

Health

Le tiembla el pulso.
Empezó a temblar por la fiebre.
¿Te tiemblan los brazos?
Un temblor involuntario.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Alguna vez has sentido temblar la tierra durante un terremoto?"

"¿Te tiemblan las manos cuando tienes que hablar en público?"

"¿Qué es lo que más te hace temblar de miedo?"

"¿Has temblado de frío alguna vez tanto que no podías hablar?"

"¿Crees que es normal temblar de emoción antes de una primera cita?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe una vez en la que temblaste de miedo. ¿Qué pasó y cómo te sentiste?

Escribe sobre un lugar tan frío que te hizo temblar de pies a cabeza.

¿Hay alguna noticia o evento que haya hecho temblar tus creencias?

Imagina que eres una hoja en un árbol. Describe cómo tiemblas con el viento.

Describe la sensación física de cuando te tiemblan las piernas por el cansancio.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a stem-changing irregular verb. In the present tense, the 'e' changes to 'ie' in all forms except nosotros and vosotros. For example, 'yo tiemblo' but 'nosotros temblamos'. In the preterite (past) tense, it is completely regular: 'yo temblé', 'tú temblaste'.

No, that is a common mistake. To shake hands, you use 'dar la mano' or 'estrechar la mano'. 'Temblar' only refers to involuntary shaking of the subject itself.

'Tiritar' is specifically for shivering due to cold or a fever. 'Temblar' is a general term that can be used for cold, but also for fear, nerves, or earthquakes. If you are cold, 'tiritar' is more descriptive, but 'temblar' is also correct.

The most natural way is 'Me tiemblan las manos'. This uses the indirect object pronoun 'me' to show that the shaking is happening to you. You can also say 'Mis manos tiemblan', but it sounds slightly more formal or less natural.

Not always, but it is very common when you want to state the reason for the shaking. 'Tiemblo de miedo' (I shake with fear). If you just want to say 'I am shaking', you just say 'Estoy temblando'.

In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'temblor' is used for a minor earthquake or a tremor that doesn't cause much damage, while 'terremoto' is reserved for a major, destructive seismic event.

Yes, you can use it for objects like a table, a house, or a leaf if they are vibrating or shaking due to an external force like wind or a passing truck.

Yes, especially after expressions of emotion or doubt, like 'Temo que tiemble la tierra' (I fear the earth might shake) or 'Dudo que tiemble hoy' (I doubt it will shake today).

The affirmative 'tú' command is 'tiembla', and the negative is 'no tiembles'. However, telling someone 'tiembla' (shake!) is rare unless you are being poetic or mean.

'Tembleque' is a noun derived from 'temblar'. It can mean a fit of shaking, but in Puerto Rico, it is also the name of a famous coconut dessert that wobbles like jelly.

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