Inklingo

How to Say "depth" in Spanish

English → Spanish

profundidad

/pro-foon-dee-dad//pro.fun.diˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'profundidad' when referring to the physical measurement of something's depth, like water, a hole, or a room's height from floor to ceiling.
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 fosa oceánica tiene una gran profundidad.

The ocean trench has a great depth.

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'.)

profundidad

/pro-foon-dee-dad//pro.fun.diˈðað/

nounB2general
Use 'profundidad' figuratively to describe the intensity, seriousness, or complexity of a concept, feeling, 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

Necesitamos analizar el problema con más profundidad.

We need to analyze the problem with more depth.

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-doh//ˈfondo/

nounB2general
Use 'fondo' specifically within the idiomatic phrase 'a fondo', meaning 'in depth' or thoroughly, usually when investigating or studying something.
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

El periodista investigó el caso a fondo.

The journalist investigated the case in depth.

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.

Profundidad vs. Fondo

Learners often confuse 'profundidad' and 'fondo'. Remember that 'profundidad' is the direct translation for physical depth and figurative intensity. 'Fondo' is almost exclusively used in the set phrase 'a fondo' for 'in depth' investigation; it's not used for physical depth.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.