bufar
hiss
Es soltar aire con fuerza por la boca o la nariz, a veces con enojo o cansancio, como hacen algunos animales cuando están molestos.
Definition & meaning
bufar is a verb that refers to the action of blowing air out forcibly and audibly through the nose or mouth. It is primarily used in the following contexts:
- Animal behavior: It describes the hissing or snorting sound made by certain animals, such as cats, bulls, or horses, usually as a sign of anger, fear, or agitation.
- Human reaction: It describes the act of a person blowing air out forcefully, typically as an expression of impatience, irritation, annoyance, or exhaustion.
- Metaphorical usage: In some contexts, it can refer to the sound produced by air or steam escaping under pressure from a machine or a pipe.
Grammar & Word origin
bufar is a regular verb ending in -ar. It is an intransitive verb.
The word originates from the Vulgar Latin buffare, which is of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of air being expelled forcefully.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- sisea (specifically for the hissing of cats or snakes)
- resoplar (to snort or blow loudly, often used for humans or animals)
- bufido (this is the noun form, often used in phrases like "lanzar un bufido")
- soplar (to blow)
Antonyms:
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Examples
El gato empezó a bufar delante del perro.verb
The cat started to hiss in front of the dog.
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