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"Fondo" is a noun which is often translated as "bottom", and "trasfondo" is a noun which is often translated as "background". Learn more about the difference between "fondo" and "trasfondo" below.
el fondo(
fohn
-
doh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. bottom
Hay muchas hojas de té en el fondo de la taza.There are a lot of tea leaves at the bottom of the mug.
b. bed (of a river or stream)
Pudimos ver muchos renacuajos en el fondo del arroyo.We could see a lot of tadpoles on the creek bed.
2. (backdrop)
a. background
Pintó unas flores rojas sobre un fondo verde.She painted red flowers on a green background.
b. end (alley, street)
Vamos a poner las cajas al fondo de la calle para que las recoja el camión de la basura.We're going to put the boxes at the end of the street so that the garbage truck picks them up.
4. (essence)
a. fund
Establecieron un fondo para ayudar a los estudiantes de escasos recursos.They established a fund to help low-income students.
6. (catalog)
a. collection
El fondo de la biblioteca incluye más de 10,000 libros.The library's collection includes more than 10,000 books.
7. (dimension)
a. depth
El apartamento es angosto, es cierto, pero tiene mucho fondo.The apartment is narrow, it's true, but it has a lot of depth.
el trasfondo(
trahs
-
fohn
-
doh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. background
Es importante entender el trasfondo del autor al momento que escribió el libro.It's important to understand the background of the author at the time that she wrote the book.
2. (feeling)
a. undertone
Noté un trasfondo de rencor cuando Marta habló de la boda de su hermana en Las Vegas.I noticed an undertone of resentment when Marta talked about her sister's wedding in Las Vegas.
b. undercurrent
Creo que había un trasfondo hostil en la actitud de mi profesor.I think there was an undercurrent of hostility in my teacher's behavior.
