Usage Note
grunzen is the sound a pig makes, but in reference to people it describes a grunt — a short, low, nasal sound of effort, reluctant acknowledgement, or displeasure. Used in literary and colloquial registers to describe inarticulate responses or exertion sounds.
Examples
"Er grunzte nur als Antwort und drehte sich um."
Natural Translation
He just grunted in reply and turned away.
Literal Translation
He grunted only as answer and turned himself around.
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