напевать

this verb is translated as 1. to hum 2. to sing quietly. Does it mean both, because these are distinct concepts in English. Humming is producing a melody with your mouth closed.
thanks

Well, it is really a fuzzy line, because if you sing quitely you might sing so quitly so none can distinguish a word of it and the only thing they catch is just the tune of the song, so you really look like you're humming the tune to yourself rather than singing.

I hope it helps

Из толкового словаря:

напевать
[напевать]

1) Петь тихо, вполголоса или про себя.
2) Воспроизводить голосом мотив, мелодию.
3) Петь для записи.
4) Пением навевать кому-л. какое-л. состояние, настроение.
5) Наговаривать, навязчиво убеждать в чем-л.

If it is of any help...

The point of the verb is about reproducing a melody, not the method of singing or humming. If you want to specify I guess you could say он жужжит мелодию.

Thanks!!