Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| profundidad | /pɾofundiˈdad/ | feminine |
| calo | /ˈkalo/ | Spain, masculine |
| hondura | /onˈduɾa/ | feminine |
| calado | /kaˈlado/ | masculine |
The primary way to express depth is through profundidad, which refers to the vertical distance below a surface. Similar to English, this word can be used metaphorically to describe the depth of concepts, thoughts or emotions. Depending on the context, synonyms like Intensidad (intensity) or Magnitud (magnitude) may also be used.
Which one should you use?
While profundidad is the general term for depth, calado is a technical term used specifically to refer to the draft or draught of a ship, which is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull. For a more literary or poetic tone, you can use hondura instead of the standard profundidad.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form calo is used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun profundidad is feminine and requires feminine articles, such as la.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾofundiˈdad/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, profundidad is used to describe the 'depth' of a field in sports, referring to the strategic spacing of players rather than a vertical measurement.
- The word calo is derived from the verb calar, which means to penetrate or soak through a material.
- While profundidad is the standard term, the word hondura can refer specifically to a deep hollow or a physical pit in the ground.
Examples in context
- Nosotros medimos la profundidad del río.We measured the depth of the river.This sentence is useful for describing the act of measuring the depth of a river using profundidad.Tatoeba #398964 by mane, translation #28842 by CK
- La profundidad del río es de unos diez metros.The depth of the river is about ten meters.This sentence is useful for stating the specific measurement of a river's depth using profundidad.Tatoeba #10836856 by carlosalberto, translation #10836850 by carlosalberto
- Eso muestra la profundidad de su amor por su familia.It shows the depth of his love for his family.This sentence is useful for showing how profundidad can be used metaphorically regarding emotions.Tatoeba #618014 by darinmex, translation #42554 by orcrist
- La profundidad de la piscina es de tres metros.The depth of the pool is three meters.
- Su conocimiento tiene gran profundidad.His knowledge has great depth.
- Estamos adentrándonos en lo más hondo de la cueva.We are going into the deepest part of the cave.
- La hondura de sus pensamientos es inigualable.The depth of his thoughts is unparalleled.
- La inmensa profundidad del lagoThe immense depth of the lake
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a map of a lake.
- María¿Sabes cuál es la profundidad máxima del lago?Do you know what the maximum depth of the lake is?
- DanielCreo que la profundidad es de cincuenta metros.I think the depth is fifty meters.
- MaríaEs un lago muy profundo, Daniel.It is a very deep lake, Daniel.
- DanielSí, María, debemos tener mucho cuidado.Yes, María, we must be very careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “depth” translations and entries profundidad, calo, hondura, calado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calo, hondura, profundidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
