Inklingo

How to Say "depth" in Spanish

English → Spanish

profundidad

pro-foon-dee-dadpro.fun.diˈðað

nounA2general
Use 'profundidad' when referring to the physical measurement of something's depth, like the depth of water, a hole, or a room.
A cross-section illustration of a deep, calm body of water, showing the great vertical distance from the surface down into the dark blue depths.

Examples

La piscina tiene una profundidad de tres metros.

The pool has a depth of three meters.

Necesitas excavar el hoyo con más profundidad para plantar el árbol.

You need to dig the hole with more depth to plant the tree.

El buceador descendió a gran profundidad.

The diver descended to a great depth.

El autor analizó el tema con gran profundidad.

The author analyzed the topic with great depth (or profoundness).

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-d', 'profundidad' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la profundidad', 'mucha profundidad').

Abstract Noun

This meaning refers to an idea or quality (like 'seriousness' or 'complexity') rather than a physical object, making it an abstract noun.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El profundidad del mar.”

Correction: La profundidad del mar. (Always use 'la' or 'una'.)

profundidad

pro-foon-dee-dadpro.fun.diˈðað

nounB2general
Use 'profundidad' figuratively to describe the intensity, seriousness, or complexity of a subject or analysis.
A cross-section illustration of a deep, calm body of water, showing the great vertical distance from the surface down into the dark blue depths.

Examples

El autor analizó el tema con gran profundidad.

The author analyzed the topic with great depth (or profoundness).

La piscina tiene una profundidad de tres metros.

The pool has a depth of three meters.

Necesitas excavar el hoyo con más profundidad para plantar el árbol.

You need to dig the hole with more depth to plant the tree.

El buceador descendió a gran profundidad.

The diver descended to a great depth.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-d', 'profundidad' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la profundidad', 'mucha profundidad').

Abstract Noun

This meaning refers to an idea or quality (like 'seriousness' or 'complexity') rather than a physical object, making it an abstract noun.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El profundidad del mar.”

Correction: La profundidad del mar. (Always use 'la' or 'una'.)

fondo

fon-dohˈfondo

nounB2general
Use 'fondo' specifically in the adverbial phrase 'a fondo' to mean 'in depth' or 'thoroughly' when describing an investigation or analysis.
A cross-section view showing a person digging a very deep, narrow hole in brown soil. The hole extends far down out of sight.

Examples

Tenemos que investigar este problema a fondo.

We have to investigate this problem in depth.

Limpiaron la casa a fondo antes de la fiesta.

They cleaned the house thoroughly before the party.

Conozco a fondo la historia de esta ciudad.

I know the history of this city inside and out.

intensidad

een-ten-see-DAHDinten-siˈðad

nounB1general
Use 'intensidad' when 'depth' refers to the intensity of emotion, focus, or a physical quality like light.
A bright flashlight shining a powerful, concentrated beam of light into the dark.

Examples

La luz brilla con mucha intensidad.

The light shines with great intensity.

Entrenamos con intensidad para ganar el partido.

We trained with intensity to win the game.

Me sorprendió la intensidad de sus sentimientos.

I was surprised by the intensity of her feelings.

The '-dad' Rule

Spanish words ending in '-dad' are always feminine. This means you should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word (la intensidad).

Making it Plural

When a word ends in a consonant like 'd', you add '-es' to make it plural: 'las intensidades'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “el intensidad”

Correction: la intensidad. Remember that words ending in -dad are feminine, just like 'la ciudad' or 'la verdad'.

Profundidad vs. Fondo

Learners often confuse 'profundidad' and 'fondo'. Remember that 'profundidad' is used for physical measurements or figurative depth, while 'fondo' is almost exclusively used in the set phrase 'a fondo' to mean 'thoroughly'.

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