depresión in 30 Sekunden
- Depresión is a Spanish feminine noun meaning clinical depression, economic slump, or a geographical basin.
- It is a cognate of the English 'depression' but carries a heavier emotional weight in daily Spanish conversation.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'sufrir', 'padecer', and 'caer en' for health, or 'entrar en' for economics.
- Always remember the accent on the 'ó' and that it is feminine (la depresión).
The Spanish word depresión is a versatile noun that English speakers will recognize immediately due to its Latin roots, but its application in Spanish requires a nuanced understanding of context, ranging from clinical psychology to macroeconomics and physical geography. At its core, it signifies a 'pressing down' or a 'lowering' of a state, whether that state is emotional, financial, or physical. In everyday conversation, it most frequently refers to a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities. However, it is crucial to distinguish between the clinical diagnosis and the colloquial use of feeling 'sad' or 'down'.
- Clinical Context
- In medical and psychological settings, 'depresión' refers to a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is treated as a serious health issue in Spanish-speaking societies, often requiring professional intervention. Phrases like 'sufrir de depresión' or 'padecer una depresión' are standard.
El médico diagnosticó al paciente con una depresión severa tras varios meses de apatía.
- Economic Context
- In economics, the term describes a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment. It is more severe than a 'recesión' (recession). The most famous example is 'La Gran Depresión' of 1929.
Muchos economistas temen que la crisis actual desemboque en una depresión prolongada.
Beyond these common uses, 'depresión' also appears in geography to describe a sunken area or a basin, and in meteorology to describe a low-pressure system (borrasca). When a Spaniard talks about a 'depresión aislada en niveles altos' (DANA), they are referring to a specific and often dangerous weather phenomenon. This multi-faceted nature makes it a high-frequency word in news, academic texts, and personal heart-to-heart conversations. Understanding the gravity of the word is important; while in English one might say 'I'm so depressed' because a favorite show ended, in Spanish, using 'depresión' usually implies a deeper, more clinical, or more systemic issue. For lighter sadness, words like 'tristeza' or 'desánimo' are more appropriate.
- Geographical Context
- This refers to a landform sunken below the surrounding area. The 'Depresión del Ebro' in Spain is a prime example of this usage, referring to the large basin through which the Ebro river flows.
La depresión geográfica permitió la formación de un lago natural.
Using depresión correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and prepositions. Because it is a state or a condition, the verbs you choose significantly alter the meaning. For clinical contexts, the most common verbs are 'tener' (to have), 'sufrir' (to suffer), 'padecer' (to suffer from/endure), and 'caer en' (to fall into). Each carries a different level of formality and intensity. 'Sufrir una depresión' is standard, while 'caer en una profunda depresión' emphasizes the descent into the state. In economic contexts, we often see 'entrar en' (to enter) or 'salir de' (to get out of).
- Verbs of State
- Verbs like 'estar' are rarely used directly with 'depresión' as a noun; instead, we use 'estar deprimido' (adjective). However, we say 'estar en una depresión' to describe being currently within that state.
Desde que perdió su empleo, ha caído en una depresión de la que le cuesta salir.
- Adjective Agreement
- Since 'depresión' is feminine, all accompanying adjectives must be feminine: 'depresión profunda', 'depresión económica', 'depresión severa'.
La depresión postparto es un tema muy importante en la salud pública.
In professional writing, you will often find 'depresión' used to explain cause and effect. For example, 'A causa de la depresión económica, las ventas bajaron'. In this case, the noun functions as the subject of the prepositional phrase. When discussing geography, the word is often followed by 'de' and a proper noun, such as 'la depresión del Guadalquivir'. In meteorological reports, you will hear about 'una depresión atmosférica' moving across the Atlantic. The word is incredibly stable across these domains, but the surrounding vocabulary (economic terms vs. medical terms) will provide the necessary context for the listener to understand which type of 'low' you are discussing.
- Metaphorical Usage
- Sometimes used to describe a dip in performance or spirits that isn't clinical. 'El equipo sufrió una pequeña depresión en su rendimiento durante el segundo tiempo'.
No podemos permitir que esta crisis se convierta en una depresión nacional.
The word depresión is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking media and daily life. You will hear it most frequently in news broadcasts, where it serves two primary functions: reporting on the economy and reporting on public health. During economic downturns, the word 'depresión' is used with caution by news anchors, often comparing current statistics to 'La Gran Depresión' to emphasize the severity of a situation. In the health segment of a news program or in a documentary, you will hear experts discussing 'la salud mental' and the rising rates of 'depresión' among adolescents or the elderly. This reflects a global trend of increasing awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues in the Hispanic world.
- In the Doctor's Office
- Doctors and psychologists use it as a technical term. You might hear: 'Usted presenta síntomas claros de una depresión moderada'. It is a formal diagnosis here.
La terapia es fundamental para superar una depresión clínica.
- On the News (Weather/Economy)
- Weather presenters use it for low-pressure systems. 'Una depresión se acerca por el Cantábrico, trayendo lluvias intensas'. Economists use it for market crashes.
Los analistas advierten sobre una posible depresión en el sector inmobiliario.
In academic settings, particularly in geography or geology classes, 'depresión' is a standard term for a basin or a landform that is lower than its surroundings. Students learn about the 'depresiones tectónicas' or 'depresiones erosivas'. In literature, authors use 'depresión' to describe the internal state of characters, often using it to evoke a sense of weight or darkness. Because the word has such strong Latin roots, it remains consistent across all Spanish-speaking countries, from Spain to Argentina. You won't find many regional variations for the word itself, though the slang used to describe the *feeling* of being depressed varies wildly (e.g., 'estar bajoneado' in the Southern Cone).
- In Literature and Art
- Poets might use it to describe a valley or a 'sink' in the soul. It carries a heavy, serious connotation that 'tristeza' lacks.
El poema habla de la depresión del espíritu frente a la soledad del desierto.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using depresión is using it too lightly. In English, it is common to hear someone say, 'I'm so depressed because it's raining.' In Spanish, if you say 'Tengo depresión porque llueve,' a native speaker might look at you with deep concern, thinking you have a clinical condition. For temporary moods or situational sadness, it is much better to use 'estar triste' (to be sad), 'estar de bajón' (to be in a slump - informal), or 'sentirse desanimado' (to feel discouraged).
- The Gender Error
- Nouns ending in '-sión' are almost always feminine. A common mistake is saying 'el depresión' instead of 'la depresión'. Always remember: la televisión, la pasión, la depresión.
Incorrecto: El depresión es difícil.
Correcto: La depresión es difícil.
- The Missing Accent
- In writing, learners often forget the tilde on the 'o'. While 'depresion' might be understood, it is a spelling error. The accent is necessary because the word is 'aguda' (stressed on the last syllable) and ends in 'n'.
Recuerda siempre escribir la tilde: de-pre-si-ón.
Another mistake involves the choice of verb for the adjective form. Learners often confuse 'ser' and 'estar' with 'deprimido'. While 'él es deprimido' would imply that being depressed is a permanent personality trait (which is grammatically possible but semantically rare), 'él está deprimido' is the standard way to describe his current state. Furthermore, when using the noun 'depresión', avoid literal translations of English idioms. For instance, 'The economy is in a depression' translates well, but 'I'm in a depression' (meaning 'I'm sad today') does not translate well as 'Estoy en una depresión' unless you mean the clinical state.
- Preposition Pitfalls
- When saying someone 'fell into' depression, use 'caer en'. Don't use 'caer dentro de' or other literal translations of 'into'.
Ella cayó en una depresión profunda tras la pérdida.
To speak Spanish naturally, you need to know when to use depresión and when to opt for an alternative. Spanish has a rich vocabulary for emotions and physical states. If you want to describe a temporary state of low spirits, 'desánimo' (discouragement) or 'abatimiento' (dejection) are excellent choices. If you are talking about a historical or artistic sense of sadness, 'melancolía' is a beautiful and frequently used word. In economic terms, 'recesión' is the step before a full 'depresión'.
- Depresión vs. Tristeza
- 'Tristeza' is a common emotion everyone feels. 'Depresión' is a clinical condition. Use 'tristeza' for the death of a pet, but 'depresión' for a long-term chemical imbalance.
La tristeza es pasajera, pero la depresión requiere tratamiento.
- Depresión vs. Melancolía
- 'Melancolía' often has a poetic or nostalgic quality—a 'sweet' sadness. 'Depresión' is purely negative and heavy.
Siento cierta melancolía al recordar mi infancia, no es una depresión.
In colloquial Spanish, particularly in Spain, you will hear the expression 'estar de bajón'. This is the perfect informal equivalent for 'feeling a bit down' or 'having a slump'. In Argentina or Uruguay, you might hear 'estar bajoneado'. These terms are much more common in social settings than the clinical 'depresión'. When discussing weather, 'borrasca' is a very common synonym for a 'depresión' (low-pressure system) and is used daily in weather forecasts. By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'depresión', you will sound more like a native speaker who understands the emotional and technical nuances of the Spanish language.
- Economic Alternatives
- 'Crisis' is the most general term. 'Estancamiento' (stagnation) refers to a lack of growth, whereas 'depresión' implies a significant drop.
La economía sufrió un estancamiento antes de caer en la depresión.
Wusstest du?
The word 'depresión' was used in geography and meteorology long before it became a common psychological term in the early 20th century.
Aussprachehilfe
- Stressing the second syllable like in English (de-PRE-sion).
- Forgetting the 'i' sound before the 'o'.
- Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard English 'd' instead of a soft Spanish 'd' (tongue against teeth).
- Failing to pronounce the final 'n' clearly.
- Making the 'e' sounds too long.
Beispiele nach Niveau
La depresión es una enfermedad muy triste.
Depression is a very sad illness.
Feminine noun 'la depresión'.
Mi abuela tiene depresión.
My grandmother has depression.
Verb 'tener' indicates possession of the condition.
No me gusta la depresión.
I don't like depression.
Direct object with 'gustar' construction.
La depresión es un problema real.
Depression is a real problem.
Simple subject-verb-complement.
Ella camina sola por su depresión.
She walks alone because of her depression.
Use of 'por' to show cause.
Hay mucha depresión en el mundo.
There is a lot of depression in the world.
Use of 'hay' for existence.
La depresión no es solo estar triste.
Depression is not just being sad.
Negation with 'no'.
Ellos hablan de la depresión.
They talk about depression.
Preposition 'de' after 'hablar'.
El médico dice que ella sufre de depresión.
The doctor says that she suffers from depression.
Verb 'sufrir' often takes 'de' or no preposition.
La Gran Depresión empezó en 1929.
The Great Depression started in 1929.
Proper noun usage for historical events.
Es difícil vivir con una depresión profunda.
It is difficult to live with a deep depression.
Adjective 'profunda' agrees with feminine 'depresión'.
Muchos artistas tuvieron depresión.
Many artists had depression.
Preterite tense 'tuvieron'.
La depresión puede afectar a cualquiera.
Depression can affect anyone.
Modal verb 'puede' followed by infinitive.
Leí un libro sobre la depresión infantil.
I read a book about childhood depression.
Compound noun phrase 'depresión infantil'.
La depresión tropical trajo mucha lluvia.
The tropical depression brought a lot of rain.
Meteorological usage.
Necesitas ayuda para superar la depresión.
You need help to overcome depression.
Infinitive 'superar' following 'para'.
Si no te cuidas, podrías caer en una depresión.
If you don't take care of yourself, you could fall into a depression.
Conditional 'podrías' and 'caer en'.
La depresión económica afectó a todo el país.
The economic depression affected the whole country.
Economic context with 'afectar'.
La depresión del terreno causó inundaciones.
The depression of the land caused floods.
Geographical usage meaning a low area.
Espero que salgas pronto de esa depresión.
I hope you get out of that depression soon.
Subjunctive 'salgas' after 'espero que'.
La depresión es un tema recurrente en su poesía.
Depression is a recurring theme in his poetry.
Subject of the sentence in a literary context.
Existen tratamientos efectivos contra la depresión.
There are effective treatments against depression.
Preposition 'contra' showing opposition.
La depresión posparto requiere atención médica.
Postpartum depression requires medical attention.
Specific medical term.
No confundas la tristeza con la depresión.
Don't confuse sadness with depression.
Imperative 'confundas' with 'con'.
La depresión endógena tiene causas biológicas.
Endogenous depression has biological causes.
Technical medical adjective 'endógena'.
El país entró en una depresión tras el colapso financiero.
The country entered a depression after the financial collapse.
Verb 'entrar en' for economic states.
La depresión del Ebro es una zona muy fértil.
The Ebro Basin is a very fertile area.
Geographical proper name.
Padecer una depresión no es signo de debilidad.
Suffering from depression is not a sign of weakness.
Infinitive 'padecer' as the subject.
La depresión atmosférica se desplazará hacia el este.
The atmospheric depression will move toward the east.
Future tense 'desplazará'.
Los síntomas de la depresión varían según la persona.
The symptoms of depression vary depending on the person.
Verb 'variar' with 'según'.
Se sumió en una depresión tras el fracaso de su empresa.
He sank into a depression after the failure of his company.
Reflexive 'sumirse' for deep immersion.
La depresión es una de las principales causas de baja laboral.
Depression is one of the main causes of sick leave.
Sociological context.
La depresión económica de los años treinta cambió la historia.
The economic depression of the thirties changed history.
Historical reference.
Su obra refleja una depresión existencial profunda.
His work reflects a profound existential depression.
Philosophical/Literary context.
La orografía presenta una depresión notable en esta región.
The orography shows a notable depression in this region.
Technical geographical term 'orografía'.
Es imperativo abordar la depresión desde una perspectiva integral.
It is imperative to address depression from a holistic perspective.
Formal academic tone.
La depresión reactiva suele aparecer tras un evento traumático.
Reactive depression usually appears after a traumatic event.
Clinical classification 'reactiva'.
La borrasca se intensificó hasta formar una depresión profunda.
The storm intensified until it formed a deep depression.
Meteorological progression.
El estigma social dificulta el tratamiento de la depresión.
Social stigma makes the treatment of depression difficult.
Sociological analysis.
La depresión del mercado inmobiliario fue inevitable.
The depression of the real estate market was inevitable.
Specific economic sector usage.
La depresión lacustre se formó por la erosión milenaria.
The lake depression was formed by millennial erosion.
Highly technical geological term.
El protagonista sucumbió a una depresión melancólica.
The protagonist succumbed to a melancholic depression.
Literary verb 'sucumbir'.
La interconexión entre ansiedad y depresión es harto compleja.
The interconnection between anxiety and depression is extremely complex.
Formal adverb 'harto'.
Analizamos la depresión como un fenómeno socioeconómico global.
We analyze depression as a global socioeconomic phenomenon.
Academic research context.
La depresión de los salarios reales preocupa a los sindicatos.
The depression of real wages worries the unions.
Economic usage for 'lowering' of values.
Una depresión aislada en niveles altos provocó el desastre.
An isolated depression at high levels caused the disaster.
Scientific DANA reference.
La narrativa destila una depresión que roza el nihilismo.
The narrative exudes a depression that borders on nihilism.
High-level literary criticism.
La depresión del punto de congelación es una propiedad coligativa.
Freezing point depression is a colligative property.
Scientific/Chemical usage.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— The global economic crisis of the 1930s.
Mis abuelos vivieron La Gran Depresión.
— A state of being depressed, often used formally.
Se encuentra en un estado de depresión severa.
— A specific meteorological phenomenon (DANA).
La depresión aislada causó lluvias torrenciales.
— To sink deeply into a depressive state.
Se hundió en una depresión tras el divorcio.
— The lowering of wage values over time.
La depresión de los salarios preocupa al gobierno.
— To have a clinical case of depression.
No es solo tristeza, ella tiene una depresión.
— A formally diagnosed mental health condition.
La depresión clínica requiere medicación.
— A poetic way to describe losing one's will.
La depresión del espíritu es peor que la física.
— Being under the influence of a depressive state.
Actuó así bajo una depresión temporal.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Informal way to say one is feeling down or sad.
Hoy estoy de bajón, no quiero salir.
informal— To reach the lowest point in a depression or crisis.
Tras tocar fondo, empezó a recuperarse.
neutral— To be very pessimistic, often due to depression.
Desde su depresión, lo ve todo negro.
informal— To be deep in a depression (in the well).
Lleva meses en el pozo y no sale.
informal— To be unable to recover from a run of bad luck or sadness.
Desde la muerte de su perro, no levanta cabeza.
informal— To have very low morale or spirits.
El equipo tiene la moral por los suelos.
neutral— To feel overwhelmed by problems, leading to depression.
Se le cayó el mundo encima cuando lo despidieron.
informal— To feel totally crushed or sunken emotionally.
Está hundido tras la ruptura.
neutral— To worry excessively, potentially leading to a low mood.
No te hagas mala sangre por eso.
informal— To be in a state of decline or low spirits.
El negocio está de capa caída.
neutralWortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'Deep Pressure' pushing you down. DE-PRESS-IÓN.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a person standing in a deep hole (a geographical depression) looking up at a dark cloud (a meteorological depression).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'depresión' in three different sentences today: one about health, one about the economy, and one about the weather.
Wortherkunft
From the Latin 'depressio', which comes from 'deprimere' (to press down).
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The act of pressing down or the state of being pressed down.
Romance (Latin-derived).Kultureller Kontext
Always handle this word with care in social settings as it refers to a serious medical condition.
English speakers use 'depressed' casually. Spanish speakers use 'depresión' more formally.
Summary
The word 'depresión' is a powerful term used for serious psychological, economic, and physical 'lows'. Example: 'La depresión económica de 1929 fue devastadora, al igual que la depresión clínica lo es para el individuo'.
- Depresión is a Spanish feminine noun meaning clinical depression, economic slump, or a geographical basin.
- It is a cognate of the English 'depression' but carries a heavier emotional weight in daily Spanish conversation.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'sufrir', 'padecer', and 'caer en' for health, or 'entrar en' for economics.
- Always remember the accent on the 'ó' and that it is feminine (la depresión).
Beispiel
Es importante buscar ayuda profesional si sufres de depresión.
Verwandte Inhalte
Ähnliche Regeln
Mehr emotions Wörter
a diferencia de
B1Im Gegensatz zu meinem Bruder bin ich sehr ruhig.
abatido
B1Gefühl von großer Traurigkeit oder Entmutigung; niedergeschlagen.
abatimiento
B2Abatimiento bedeutet Niedergeschlagenheit oder Mutlosigkeit nach einem Misserfolg.
abatir
B1Abatir: Jemanden entmutigen oder etwas niederwerfen. 'Die Nachricht hat ihn völlig abatido gemacht' (The news made him completely dejected).
abierto/a de mente
B2Weltoffen; bereit, neue Ideen in Betracht zu ziehen.
aborrecer
B1Verabscheuen; hassen. 'Ich verabscheue Lügen mehr als alles andere.'
abrazar
A1Umarmen. 'Sie umarmte ihren Vater herzlich.' 'Die Firma entschied sich, neue Technologien zu umarmen.'
abrazo
A1Ein Akt, bei dem man jemanden eng in den Armen hält; eine Umarmung.
abrumador
B1Etwas, das überwältigend oder erdrückend ist, wie eine große Last.
abrumar
B1Jemanden mit einer großen Menge von etwas überwältigen.
