Gemir used with objects?

Question

In English you can say "the wind moaned" and "the door groaned", when describing sound.

Can you say these things in Spanish? And if so, would you use "gemir"?

Thanks in advance! :D K

Interesting question, I never thought of this! - TheSilentHero, Feb 18, 2012

Answer 1

No, "gemir" is not usually used for that.

We say:

El viento aulla.

La puerta rechina/chirría

Answer 2

Agree with Guimmys!

• Gemir is only used with live creatures. and yes, the wind howls (El viento aulla) La puerta rechina, cruje, etc.

Answer 3

Yes. If you look at the dictionary for gemir you'll see: "to howl (viento)" viento means wind, which should mean you can use it in this instance. Can you use it with a door? I don't know.

Anthropomorphism is a question of flare, so unless you are asking how to say it "el viento gemió," the answer is basically use it if you want, but note that unless you are purposely giving human/animal traits to the objects, you ought to use a word like "crujir" for doors.