profundo
/pɾoˈfundo/
The English word deep can be translated into Spanish as profundo or hondo.
Meaning: having its bottom far down (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| profundo | /pɾoˈfundo/ |
| hondo | /ˈondo/ |
Both words describe something having its bottom far down.
Which one should you use?
hondo is frequently preferred when describing the physical or spatial depth of objects like a hole, a well or a container. In contrast, profundo is more commonly used for abstract or intellectual concepts, such as deep thought, deep sleep or deep meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. The adjective profundo becomes profunda for feminine nouns and profundos for masculine plural nouns. Similarly, the adjective hondo becomes honda when modifying feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈfundo/
Did you know?
- The English word 'fund' and the Spanish word fondo (bottom) actually share the same linguistic ancestor, which is why they both deal with the idea of a base or foundation.
- The word hondo is often used in idiomatic expressions about emotion, such as desde lo más hondo, meaning 'from the bottom of my heart'.
- In Spanish, a 'deep breath' is described as respirar profundo, focusing on the intensity of the action rather than the physical depth of the lungs.
Examples in context
- ¿El lago es profundo?Is the lake deep?This sentence is useful for asking if a lake is deep using profundo.Tatoeba #5928264 by baudelaire, translation #3041973 by ApAdAnA
- Este lago es profundo.This lake is deep.This sentence is useful for stating that a lake is deep using profundo.Tatoeba #1190842 by Shishir, translation #59351 by CK
- Este pozo es muy hondo.This well is very deep.This sentence is useful for stating that a well is very deep using hondo.Tatoeba #2268979 by Shishir, translation #2268978 by _undertoad
- El océano es profundo e imponenteThe ocean is deep and imposing
- La conexión entre ellos es profundaThe connection between them is deep
- El sonido del violín se desvanece en lo más hondo de mi serThe sound of the violin fades into the depths of my being
- Ese lugar se encuentra en las profundidades de la ciudadThat place is found in the depths of the city
- Guardo tus palabras bien adentro de mi corazónI keep your words deep inside my heart
- El lago es profundo y misteriosoThe lake is deep and mysterious
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a map of a canyon during a hike.
- Javier¿Crees que el barranco es profundo?Do you think the ravine is deep?
- ElenaSí, parece un lugar muy profundo.Yes, it looks like a very deep place.
- JavierDebemos tener mucho cuidado.We must be very careful.
- ElenaTienes razón, Javier.You're right, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deep” translations and entries profundo, hondo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hondo, profundo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
