hundir
“hundir” means “to sink” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to sink
Also: to push down, to submerge
📝 In Action
El pirata intentó hundir el barco enemigo.
A2The pirate tried to sink the enemy ship.
Me gusta hundir los pies en la arena tibia.
B1I like to sink my feet into the warm sand.
Tienes que hundir el botón con fuerza para que funcione.
B1You have to push the button down hard for it to work.
to ruin
Also: to depress, to overwhelm
📝 In Action
Ese escándalo va a hundir la carrera del político.
B2That scandal is going to ruin the politician's career.
La noticia de la muerte de su gato lo hundió en la tristeza.
B2The news of his cat's death plunged him into sadness.
Las deudas están hundiendo a la pequeña empresa.
C1Debts are sinking the small company.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: hundir
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'The ship sank'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'fundere' (to pour or melt). Over time, it evolved to mean submersing something, likely through the idea of pouring something down into a deep place.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'hundir' always negative?
Usually, yes. It implies sinking, destroying, or depressing. However, it can be neutral when describing physical actions like pushing a button or sinking your feet into sand.
What is the difference between 'hundir' and 'sumergir'?
'Sumergir' is often more technical or gentle (like submerging a cloth in water), whereas 'hundir' feels heavier and more permanent (like a ship sinking).
How do I say 'I am depressed' using this word?
You can say 'Estoy hundido/a'. It is a very strong way to say you feel spiritually or emotionally 'sunken'.