agujero
/ah-goo-HEH-roh/
hole
An agujero is a physical opening in a surface, like a hole in wood or fabric.
agujero(noun)
hole
?physical opening in a surface
,opening
?a small gap or break
tear
?in clothing or fabric
📝 In Action
Hay un agujero enorme en la pared del sótano.
A2There is an enormous hole in the basement wall.
Necesito coser el agujero de mi calcetín antes de ponérmelo.
A1I need to sew the hole in my sock before putting it on.
Tuvimos que tapar el agujero para que no entraran los insectos.
B1We had to cover the opening so the insects wouldn't come in.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Even though 'agujero' ends in '-o', it follows the common rule that things (nouns) are male (masculine) in Spanish, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Agujero' and 'Hoyo'
Mistake: "Using 'agujero' when referring specifically to a deep, large hole in the ground."
Correction: 'Hoyo' is usually better for pits or holes dug in the earth. 'Agujero' is generally used for holes *through* something (a wall, paper, cloth).
⭐ Usage Tips
The Root Word
The word comes from 'aguja' (needle). Thinking of it as a 'needle-sized opening' can help you remember it often refers to small to medium holes.
Figuratively, agujero can refer to a financial deficit or shortfall.
agujero(noun)
deficit
?a financial shortfall
,gap
?a serious lack of something
shortfall
?when expectations aren't met
📝 In Action
Las nuevas cuentas muestran un agujero fiscal de tres millones de dólares.
B1The new accounts show a fiscal deficit of three million dollars.
Intentamos tapar el agujero de conocimiento con cursos intensivos.
B2We tried to fill the knowledge gap with intensive courses.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
Just like in English where you can have a 'hole' in your budget, 'agujero' is used figuratively to mean a severe financial problem or a significant missing amount.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Context
This meaning is often heard alongside money words (finanzas, presupuesto, deuda) or abstract concepts like knowledge (conocimiento).
When used informally, agujero can describe a horrible, depressing place, like a dump.
agujero(noun)
dump
?a horrible, depressing place
,dive
?a small, unattractive establishment
godforsaken place
?a place that is remote and unpleasant
📝 In Action
Este bar es un agujero, vámonos a otro sitio.
B2This bar is a dump/dive, let's go somewhere else.
Pasé dos semanas viviendo en un pequeño agujero sin internet.
C1I spent two weeks living in a little remote spot without internet.
💡 Grammar Points
Use of Articles
When used in this way, it usually takes 'un' or 'ese/aquel' (that/that distant one) to emphasize the negative feeling associated with the place.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Warning
Be careful when using this meaning. It is highly subjective and often carries a strong, negative opinion about the location.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: agujero
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'agujero' in its figurative financial sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'agujero' la única palabra para 'hole' en español?
No. 'Agujero' means a physical hole or opening (like in a sock or wall), but you might also hear 'hoyo' (for a pit in the ground) or 'hueco' (for an empty space or cavity).
Can I use 'agujero' for a 'black hole' in space?
Yes, the term for a black hole is 'agujero negro' (literally, black hole). This is a perfect example of its usage.