Inklingo

How to Say "sunken" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sumergido

soo-mer-HEE-dohsumerˈxiðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'sumergido' when referring to something that has gone down below the surface of water or another liquid.
A colorful fish swimming next to a small treasure chest at the bottom of the ocean.

Examples

El tesoro perdido ha estado sumergido en el océano durante siglos.

The lost treasure has been sunken in the ocean for centuries.

El barco ha estado sumergido durante cien años.

The ship has been submerged for a hundred years.

Juan está sumergido en la lectura de su nueva novela.

Juan is immersed in reading his new novel.

Muchos países luchan contra la economía sumergida.

Many countries fight against the underground economy.

Matching the Noun

Because this word describes a thing, it must match: use 'sumergido' for a boy/masculine thing, 'sumergida' for a girl/feminine thing, and add an 's' for plurals.

The 'State' Word

We usually use this with the verb 'estar' (to be) because being underwater or focused is usually a temporary state or result of an action.

Using the wrong 'to be'

Mistake:El barco es sumergido.

Correction: El barco está sumergido. We use 'está' because we are describing the current condition of the boat, not its permanent identity.

deprimido

deh-pree-MEE-dohde.pɾiˈmi.ðo

adjectiveC1general
Use 'deprimido' when describing land or a surface that is lower than the surrounding area, like a hollow or a depression.
A simple illustration showing a cross-section of green land where the middle section is visibly lower, forming a concave, sunken shape in the terrain.

Examples

El coche se atascó en un camino deprimido después de la tormenta.

The car got stuck in a sunken path after the storm.

El terreno deprimido se llena de agua cuando llueve.

The low-lying ground fills with water when it rains.

Hay una cicatriz deprimida en su frente.

There is a sunken scar on his forehead.

Describing Physical Features

In this context, 'deprimido' describes a physical attribute of a surface or area, meaning it is lower or hollowed out compared to its surroundings.

Sunken Land vs. Sunken Object

The most common mistake is using 'deprimido' for objects underwater. Remember, 'deprimido' describes a low-lying surface on land, while 'sumergido' specifically means beneath the water's surface.

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