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How to Say "profound" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hondo

/OHN-doh//ˈondo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'hondo' when referring to a deep or intense feeling, like sorrow or regret, or for a profound state of sleep.
A person sleeping very peacefully and soundly in a cozy bed.

Examples

Siento un hondo pesar por la noticia.

I feel a deep sorrow because of the news.

El abuelo está en un sueño hondo.

Grandpa is in a deep sleep.

profunda

pro-FÚN-da/pɾoˈfunda/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'profunda' to describe profound emotions or feelings, such as joy, sadness, or understanding, often implying a significant impact.
A simple silhouette of a person sitting alone on a low grassy hill at night, gazing upward at a large, bright full moon, conveying a feeling of profound contemplation.

Examples

Sintió una alegría profunda al ver a su familia.

She felt a profound joy upon seeing her family.

Necesito una disculpa profunda por lo que pasó.

I need a sincere/profound apology for what happened.

Tuvo una noche de sueño profunda después del viaje.

She had a night of deep sleep after the trip.

Figurative Use

When describing feelings, 'profunda' means the emotion is strong and reaches the core of a person, similar to how 'deep' water reaches far down.

Hondo vs. Profunda

Learners often confuse 'hondo' and 'profunda' because both can describe deep feelings. Remember that 'hondo' is often used for states of being (like sleep) or more somber emotions, while 'profunda' is more versatile for a wider range of emotions and their impact.

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