How to Say "hollow" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “hollow” is “hueco” — use 'hueco' when describing something that is empty inside, like the inside of a tree trunk or a cavity..
hueco
WAY-kohˈw̝e.ko
Examples
El interior del tronco de árbol estaba hueco.
The inside of the tree trunk was hollow.
El tronco del árbol estaba completamente hueco.
The tree trunk was completely hollow.
La caja se sentía muy ligera porque estaba hueca.
The box felt very light because it was hollow.
Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'hueco' must match the thing it describes. Use 'hueca' for feminine nouns (e.g., 'la pared hueca') and 'huecos' or 'huecas' for plural nouns.
hoyo
OH-yoh/ˈo.ʝo/
Examples
Ten cuidado de no caer en el hoyo del jardín.
Be careful not to fall into the hole in the garden.
Tuvimos que esquivar un hoyo enorme en la carretera.
We had to swerve to avoid an enormous hole in the road (pothole).
El perro estaba cavando un hoyo para esconder su hueso.
The dog was digging a hole to hide its bone.
Hay que tapar el hoyo antes de que alguien se caiga.
We must cover the hole before someone falls in.
Gender Check
Even though 'hoyo' ends in -o, remember it is a masculine word, so use 'el' (el hoyo) and masculine adjectives (un hoyo grande).
Hoyo vs. Agujero
Mistake: “Using 'hoyo' for a small hole, like a puncture.”
Correction: Use 'agujero' for small holes (like in paper or clothes). 'Hoyo' is typically reserved for holes in the ground or large depressions.
vacío
Examples
Sus palabras sonaban vacías y sin sentido.
His words sounded hollow and meaningless.
depresión
Examples
La lluvia formó una pequeña depresión en el camino.
The rain formed a small hollow in the path.
Hole vs. Empty Inside
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