hundimiento
/undiˈmjento/
hundimiento is the Spanish translation for the English noun sinking.
hundimiento refers to the process by which something sinks or is sunk. While it refers to the event or process itself, the verb hundir is used to describe the actual action of sinking.
Meaning: process by which something sinks, or is sunk (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb hundir (to sink) combined with the suffix -miento, which turns a verb into a noun that describes a process or result.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, hundimiento is the general translation for sinking in formal contexts. In Venezuela, the formal term sumidero is used to refer to a sinkhole or any location where water drains underground.
How does it change in a sentence?
hundimiento is a masculine noun and is typically used with the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/undiˈmjento/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word hundimiento shares a common ancestor with the English word 'found', specifically in the sense of 'to found' or 'to establish' through the Latin 'fundare'.
- The verb hundir is used not only for ships sinking in water but also for the act of pressing a button or pushing something deep into a soft surface.
- The word hundido can describe a person who is completely heartbroken or deeply depressed.
Examples in context
- Murieron entre 1.490 y 1.635 personas en el hundimiento del Titanic.Between 1,490 and 1,635 people died in the sinking of the Titanic.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use hundimiento when referring to the sinking of a ship.Tatoeba #1535118 by marcelostockle, translation #1534386 by Spamster
- La economía del país continúa su hundimiento progresivo.The country's economy continues its progressive sinking.
- La relación está yéndose a pique.The relationship is sinking.
- El hundimiento del barco fue muy rápido.The sinking of the ship was very fast.
- Investigan las causas del hundimiento del submarino.They are investigating the causes of the submarine's sinking.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are watching a documentary about ocean history.
- Daniel¿Viste las imágenes del hundimiento?Did you see the images of the sinking?
- SofíaSí, fue muy impresionante y triste.Yes, it was very impressive and sad.
- DanielParece que el hundimiento fue accidental.It seems that the sinking was accidental.
- SofíaDaniel, creo que eso es lo que dicen.Daniel, I think that is what they say.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sinking” translations and entries hundimiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hundimiento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
