fondo
/ˈfondo/masculine
In Spanish, the word for background (part of a picture) is fondo. Wiktionary also lists trasfondo and lontananza.
Meaning: part of picture (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fondo | /ˈfondo/ | masculine |
| trasfondo | /tɾasˈfondo/ | masculine |
| lontananza | /lontaˈnanθa/ /lontaˈnansa/ |
feminine |
When referring to the background of a physical object like a painting, photograph or scene, use fondo. However, if you are discussing a metaphorical background, such as the subtext of a story or the underlying context of a situation, use trasfondo.
Which one should you use?
Use fondo for the literal background of an image. Use trasfondo when you mean an underlying background or subtext.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the term trayectoria is used to refer to someone's background.
How does it change in a sentence?
fondo and trasfondo are masculine nouns, while lontananza is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfondo/
Did you know?
- The phrase beber hasta el fondo means to drink a glass to the very bottom, but it is often used as a command to 'bottoms up'.
- While fondo refers to a background, it is also the direct ancestor of the English word 'fund', as both stem from the same Latin roots relating to the bottom or foundation.
- In Spanish, fondo can refer to the background of a photo, but it is also the word used for the 'bottom' of a swimming pool or a bottle.
Examples in context
- El retrato tenía un fondo oscuro.The portrait had a dark background.This sentence shows how to describe the color of a background using fondo.Tatoeba #2268460 by cueyayotl, translation #2268459 by _undertoad
- Hay un castillo en el fondo de esa pintura.There is a castle in the background of the picture.This sentence describes an object located in the background of a painting using fondo.Tatoeba #1263744 by marcelostockle, translation #49018 by CK
- ¿Quién es ese hombre en el fondo del cuadro?Who is that man in the background of the picture?This sentence asks about a person located in the background of a picture using fondo.Tatoeba #1604982 by teskmon, translation #265303 by CK
- En el fondo de la imagenIn the background of the picture
- Tiene un historial empresarial impresionanteHe has an impressive business background
- En el trasfondo de la situaciónIn the background of the situation
- Tiene un pasado muy interesanteHe has a very interesting background
- Para entender su opinión, es necesario conocer su contextoTo understand his opinion, it's necessary to know his background
- Tiene una trayectoria laboral destacadaHe has an outstanding work background
- El telón de fondo muestra un hermoso paisajeThe backdrop shows a beautiful landscape
- Un trasfondo oscuroA dark background
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking at a digital photograph.
- Javier¿Viste el fondo de la foto?Did you see the background of the photo?
- SofíaSí, Javier, es muy bonito.Yes, Javier, it is very beautiful.
- JavierMe encanta el color del fondo.I love the color of the background.
- SofíaEs perfecto para tu pantalla.It is perfect for your screen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “background” translations and entries fondo, trasfondo, lontananza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fondo, lontananza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
