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How to Say "to deepen" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to deepen” is “profundizar” — use this word when making something deeper in a figurative or abstract sense, such as studies, knowledge, or understanding..

English → Spanish

profundizar

/pro-foon-dee-THAR//pɾofundiˈθaɾ/

verbB1general
Use this word when making something deeper in a figurative or abstract sense, such as studies, knowledge, or understanding.
A person using a magnifying glass to examine the intricate, tiny details of a large green leaf.

Examples

Quiero profundizar en mis estudios de historia.

I want to go deeper into my history studies.

Es necesario profundizar en este problema para encontrar una solución.

It is necessary to analyze this problem in depth to find a solution.

Tuvieron que profundizar el pozo para sacar más agua.

They had to deepen the well to get more water.

The 'Z' to 'C' Spelling Change

When the letter 'z' is followed by an 'e', it changes to a 'c' to keep the pronunciation consistent. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (profundicé) and all forms of the special 'wish' mood (subjunctive).

Using the Preposition 'en'

When you want to say you are going deeper 'into' a subject or topic, you almost always use the word 'en' after profundizar.

Missing the 'en'

Mistake: “Quiero profundizar el tema.”

Correction: Quiero profundizar en el tema. (When talking about abstract subjects, you need 'en' to show you are entering into the details.)

profundar

/pro-foon-DAHR//pɾofunˈdaɾ/

verbC1general
Use this word when making something physically deeper, like a hole, a well, or a wound.
A child using a small shovel to dig a hole deeper in a sandbox.

Examples

Es necesario profundar el pozo para encontrar agua.

It is necessary to deepen the well to find water.

El poeta busca profundar en los misterios del alma.

The poet seeks to delve into the mysteries of the soul.

Sus palabras lograron profundar en mi pensamiento.

His words managed to penetrate deep into my thoughts.

A Regular 'AR' Pattern

This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar.' It doesn't have any tricky spelling changes or irregular forms.

Using 'en' for Abstract Ideas

When you want to say you are 'diving deep' into a subject or a book, use the word 'en' (in) right after the verb.

The 'Profundizar' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'profundar' in a casual conversation with friends.”

Correction: Use 'profundizar' instead. While 'profundar' is correct, it sounds very old-fashioned or overly poetic to native speakers today.

Figurative vs. Physical Deepening

Learners often confuse these by using 'profundar' for abstract concepts when 'profundizar' is the correct choice. Remember: 'profundizar' is for abstract ideas (studies, understanding), while 'profundar' is typically for physical depth (wells, holes).

Related Translations

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