Proper translation for the English word 'Sinkhole'

Question

I've seen this word in many news outlets recently due to the effects of hurricane Agatha and even in a discussion in this forum, but I can't think of a word for it in Spanish. The way the sinkhole looks reminds me of the zenotes when I visited Yucatán. But what is the proper Spanish word for sinkhole?

zenotes is spelled with a "C"- Cenotes and it does mean "sinkhole" but, one with water in it. - Yeser007, JUN 2, 2010

Thanks for the correction and instruction, yesero! - tamalmalamarrado, JUN 3, 2010

Answer 1

The Spanish language newspapers have been using el boquete.

From El País:

La acción de agua sobre el terreno explica los boquetes en Guatemala

The action of water on the ground explains the sinkholes in Guatemala

Boquete is just a hole. Is that what sinkhole is? Just a hole? Why add the sink before hole if that were the case? - tamalmalamarrado, JUN 2, 2010

A sinkhole is a hole caused by the ground sinking. I'm just reporting the word the reporters are using. - KevinB, JUN 2, 2010

To be technically correct, I suppose, "Agujero de Hundimiento" would work. - 005faa61, JUN 2, 2010

Thanks, KevinB! It seems Spanish doesn't have one word to equate to sinkhole. It wouldn't surprise me if that were the case. - tamalmalamarrado, JUN 2, 2010

Answer 2

Hola,

I have heard "sumidero".

Hope this helps.