fondos
/FOHN-dohs/
funds
Fondos can mean 'funds,' referring to money set aside for a specific purpose.
fondos(noun)
funds
?money set aside for a purpose
,money
?financial resources
savings
?money stored away
,capital
?business finance
📝 In Action
Necesitamos recaudar fondos para el viaje escolar.
A2We need to raise funds for the school trip.
El banco aprobó los fondos para la nueva casa.
B1The bank approved the funds for the new house.
No tenemos fondos suficientes para pagar esto.
A2We don't have enough money to pay for this.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for Money
When talking about money or financial resources, 'fondos' is always used in its plural form, even if you are referring to the general concept of money.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular
Mistake: "Necesito fondo para el proyecto."
Correction: Necesito fondos para el proyecto. (The singular 'fondo' usually means 'bottom' or 'background', not 'money'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Financial Context
Use 'fondos' when the money is designated for a specific purpose (like a retirement fund or a project budget).
When referring to location, fondos translates to 'depths,' signifying the deepest parts of an area.
fondos(noun)
depths
?the deepest parts of an area
,background
?of a picture or scene
bottoms
?the lower parts (plural of 'fondo')
📝 In Action
Los colores de los fondos del cuadro son muy oscuros.
B1The colors in the background of the painting are very dark.
Se aventuraron a los fondos del océano, donde nunca llega la luz.
C1They ventured into the depths of the ocean, where the light never reaches.
Busca la caja en los fondos del armario.
B2Look for the box in the back (bottoms) of the closet.
💡 Grammar Points
Singular vs. Plural
The singular 'fondo' means 'bottom' or 'back.' Using the plural 'fondos' often emphasizes the extent or multiple parts of that depth or background.
⭐ Usage Tips
Visual Context
If you are talking about the setting or scenery in a photograph or movie, 'fondos' is the correct word for 'backgrounds'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fondos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'fondos' to talk about money?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'fondo' means 'bottom,' why does 'fondos' mean 'money'?
The connection comes from the original Latin root *fundus*, which also meant 'landed estate' or 'foundation.' Your financial 'foundation' or resources became known as 'fondos' in the plural, emphasizing the general pool of wealth.
Can I ever use 'fondo' in the singular to mean 'fund'?
Yes, but it's less common and usually refers to a specific, named fund, like 'el Fondo Monetario Internacional' (The International Monetary Fund). When talking about general money or resources, always use the plural 'fondos'.