fondos
“fondos” means “funds” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
funds, money
Also: savings, capital
📝 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.
depths, background
Also: bottoms
📝 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.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: fondos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'fondos' to talk about money?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *fundus*, which meant 'bottom,' 'foundation,' or 'landed estate.' This explains both meanings: the 'bottom' of the sea and the 'foundation' of one's wealth.
First recorded: Medieval Latin
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.