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B1 noun #12,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

abismo

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces abismo en 30 secondes
Explication abismo in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'abismo' means a very deep hole, like a cliff. Think of it as a 'big, deep hole'. You might see it in a picture of a mountain. It is a masculine word: 'el abismo'. You don't need to use it in complex ways yet. Just remember that it is dangerous to fall into an abismo. For example, if you are playing a video game and there is a deep pit, that is an abismo. It is pronounced 'ah-BEES-mo'. The 'b' is soft, almost like a 'v'. It is a noun. You can use it with simple verbs like 'ver' (to see) or 'hay' (there is). 'Hay un abismo en la montaña'. This is a good word to learn early because it looks like the English word 'abyss', which makes it easy to remember. Just focus on the physical meaning for now. Imagine a deep, dark place where you cannot see the bottom. That is an abismo. It is much deeper than a normal hole in the ground.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'abismo' to describe things you see in nature more accurately. You might use it when talking about travel or geography. 'Fuimos al Gran Cañón y vimos el abismo'. You can also start to use it in very simple metaphors, like 'un abismo de tiempo' (a long time gap). You should know that 'abismo' is a stronger word than 'agujero' (hole). It implies depth and danger. You might hear it in simple stories or legends. It's important to use the correct article: 'un abismo' or 'el abismo'. You can also use adjectives with it, like 'grande' (big) or 'profundo' (deep). 'Es un abismo muy profundo'. Start noticing how it is used in weather reports or nature documentaries. Even at A2, you can understand that 'abismo' is something that separates two sides. If there is a river in a very deep canyon, there is an abismo between the two banks. This helps you build a mental image of the word's power.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'abismo' in its most common metaphorical sense: a big difference between two things. This is very common in intermediate Spanish. You can say 'Hay un abismo entre mi cultura y la tuya' (There is a chasm between my culture and yours). You should also learn the phrase 'al borde del abismo' (on the edge of the abyss/brink). This is used for stressful situations. 'Mi empresa está al borde del abismo' means things are going very badly. You are now expected to understand that 'abismo' carries an emotional weight. It's not just a hole; it's a feeling of uncertainty or a massive gap in understanding. You can use it to talk about social issues, like the 'abismo entre ricos y pobres'. This shows you have a more nuanced vocabulary. You should also be able to recognize it in literature or news headlines. It's a B1 word because it requires moving beyond literal descriptions into abstract concepts. You might also see the adjective 'abisal' (abyssal), used for the deep sea, though 'abismo' remains the primary noun you should master.
At the B2 level, you should use 'abismo' with precision in debates and essays. It's a great word for emphasizing contrast. Instead of saying 'hay una gran diferencia', say 'hay un abismo'. This makes your Spanish sound more sophisticated and passionate. You should understand its use in psychological contexts, such as describing a 'vacío' or 'abismo' in someone's life after a loss. You can handle more complex idioms like 'caer en el abismo de la desesperación'. You should also be able to distinguish 'abismo' from technical terms like 'sima' or 'falla'. In a B2 level discussion about politics, you might say, 'Las nuevas leyes han creado un abismo entre el gobierno y los ciudadanos'. This uses the word to describe a breakdown in communication or trust. You should also be aware of the word's history and its connection to the Greek 'abyssos'. Using 'abismo' correctly at this level shows you understand the emotional and dramatic nuances of the Spanish language. You can use it to describe the 'vértigo' (vertigo) one feels when facing a major life decision, comparing it to looking into an abismo.
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At the C1 level, 'abismo' becomes a tool for stylistic expression. You should be able to use it in literary analysis or high-level philosophical discussions. You might discuss the 'abismo existencial' (existential abyss) in the works of existentialist writers. You should be familiar with how the word is used in poetry to represent the infinite or the subconscious. At this level, you can use 'abismo' to describe subtle but profound shifts in society or thought. For example, 'el abismo ontológico entre el ser y la nada'. You should also be able to use it ironically or with hyperbole. You understand the nuances between 'asomarse al abismo' (to peer into) and 'precipitarse al abismo' (to hurl oneself into). Your vocabulary should include related words like 'despeñadero' or 'vorágine' and you should know exactly when 'abismo' is the better choice for impact. You can use it to describe the 'abismo del tiempo' in a historical context, referring to the vast stretches of history that separate us from ancient civilizations. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of its ability to convey both physical scale and spiritual depth.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'abismo' and all its connotations. You can use it in the most formal academic settings or the most creative literary contexts. You might use it to describe the 'abismo semántico' between two languages where a concept in one doesn't exist in the other. You are comfortable with the word's appearance in classical Spanish literature (Siglo de Oro) and modern experimental prose. You understand its role in religious discourse (the 'abismo' of hell or the 'abismo' of God's greatness). You can manipulate the word to create specific atmospheres in your writing—using it to evoke dread, awe, or absolute separation. You might explore the 'abismo' as a metaphor for the limits of human knowledge. At this level, 'abismo' is not just a word, but a concept you can weave into complex arguments about sociology, psychology, or aesthetics. You can discuss the 'estética del abismo' in romanticism. Your mastery allows you to use the word with such precision that it captures the exact degree of depth or distance you wish to convey, making your speech or writing indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

abismo en 30 secondes

  • A deep chasm or pit.
  • A metaphorical huge gap.
  • Masculine noun: el abismo.
  • Often used for danger or despair.
The Spanish word abismo is a powerful noun that carries both a literal, physical weight and a profound metaphorical significance. At its most basic level, an abismo refers to a deep, often immeasurable space, such as a chasm, a gorge, or a bottomless pit. When you stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon, you are looking into an abismo. However, in Spanish, the word is rarely confined to geography. It is one of the most evocative terms used to describe vast differences, emotional voids, or the terrifying feeling of being on the brink of disaster.
Literal Usage
In a physical sense, it describes a precipice or a very deep hole in the earth. Geologists might use it to describe oceanic trenches or deep mountain fissures. For example, 'El alpinista se detuvo ante el abismo' (The climber stopped before the abyss).
Metaphorical Usage
This is where the word truly shines in Spanish literature and daily conversation. It represents a 'huge gap' between two things, such as 'un abismo generacional' (a generational gap) or 'un abismo entre ricos y pobres' (a chasm between rich and poor). It also describes psychological states, like the 'abismo de la depresión' (the abyss of depression).

Hay un abismo insalvable entre sus promesas y sus acciones reales.

El barco desapareció en el abismo del océano durante la tormenta.

People use this word in news reports to discuss economic crises, in poetry to discuss the soul, and in casual conversation to complain about how much they disagree with someone. It implies a sense of danger or awe. If you say 'Estamos al borde del abismo,' you are saying that the situation is critical and one wrong step could lead to total failure.

Después de la traición, se abrió un abismo entre los dos amigos.

Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, emotional expression is often vivid. Using 'abismo' conveys a depth of feeling that 'distancia' (distance) or 'diferencia' (difference) simply cannot reach. It evokes the image of a dark, cold, and silent space where things are lost forever.

Mirar al abismo puede causar un vértigo existencial difícil de explicar.

La economía del país se asoma al abismo debido a la inflación descontrolada.

In summary, whether you are talking about the depths of the sea, a literal cliff, or a metaphorical divide in ideology, 'abismo' is your go-to word for expressing profound depth and separation.
Using abismo correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and the common prepositions that accompany it. Most frequently, you will see it following the prepositions 'al', 'en', or 'entre'.
Al borde del abismo
This is perhaps the most common idiomatic expression. It means 'on the edge of the abyss' or 'on the brink of disaster'. It is used for companies, relationships, and personal mental health. 'La empresa está al borde del abismo financiero'.

Caminar por esa senda estrecha era como caminar al borde del abismo.

Un abismo entre...
This structure is used to compare two things that are drastically different. It emphasizes that there is no common ground. 'Hay un abismo entre lo que dice y lo que hace'.

Existe un abismo insuperable entre las dos facciones políticas.

El silencio que siguió a su confesión fue un abismo que nadie se atrevía a cruzar.

Another common use is 'caer al abismo' (to fall into the abyss). This can be literal, like a stone falling into a well, or figurative, like a person falling into despair or a country falling into chaos.
Verbs often paired with Abismo
Asomarse (to peer into), caer (to fall), abrirse (to open up), evitar (to avoid), cruzar (to cross). Each of these creates a different mental image of how one interacts with the deep gap.

Al asomarse al abismo, sintió una mezcla de miedo y fascinación.

La falta de educación crea un abismo de oportunidades para los jóvenes.

In summary, 'abismo' functions as a strong noun that anchors sentences about depth, danger, and difference. Its versatility allows it to be used in simple descriptive sentences or complex philosophical arguments.
You will encounter abismo in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the dramatic to the analytical. It is a staple of Spanish news media, literature, and cinema.
News and Politics
Journalists often use 'abismo' to describe social or economic crises. You might hear a news anchor say, 'El país se encuentra frente a un abismo institucional,' meaning the government institutions are failing so badly that the whole system might collapse. It is also used to describe wealth inequality: 'El abismo social sigue creciendo en las grandes ciudades'.

Los analistas advierten que la bolsa de valores está cayendo en un abismo sin fondo.

Literature and Philosophy
Spanish literature is rich with existential themes. Authors like Miguel de Unamuno or Federico García Lorca might use 'abismo' to represent the unknown, death, or the depths of the human soul. The famous Nietzschean quote about the abyss looking back at you is frequently translated into Spanish as 'si miras fijamente al abismo, el abismo te devuelve la mirada'.

En su última novela, el protagonista se enfrenta al abismo de su propia soledad.

La película termina con el héroe saltando al abismo para salvar a su pueblo.

Science and Nature
In documentaries about the ocean or space, 'abismo' refers to the deep sea (zona abisal) or the vastness of the cosmos. It conveys the scale of things that are beyond human comprehension.

Explorar el abismo marino requiere tecnología muy avanzada.

El puente colgante cruzaba un abismo de más de cien metros de profundidad.

Whether it's the 'abismo fiscal' in the news or the 'abismo de pasión' in a telenovela, the word is everywhere in the Hispanic world.
While abismo is a straightforward noun, learners often make a few specific errors when using it. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker.
Confusing Gender
One common mistake is thinking 'abismo' might be feminine because it ends in 'o' (though this is rare) or simply guessing wrong. It is always masculine: 'el abismo'. Saying 'la abismo' is a frequent error for beginners.

Incorrect: Ella sintió una abismo en su pecho. Correct: Ella sintió un abismo en su pecho.

Overusing it for small gaps
'Abismo' implies something massive and deep. If there is a small gap between two floorboards or a small disagreement between friends, 'abismo' is too strong. Use 'hueco' (gap/hole) or 'diferencia' (difference) instead. Use 'abismo' only when the gap feels insurmountable.

No digas 'hay un abismo' si solo es una pequeña discusión de cinco minutos.

El término 'sima' es común en espeleología, pero en literatura preferimos abismo.

Preposition Errors
Learners sometimes say 'el abismo de las clases' when they mean 'el abismo entre las clases'. While 'de' indicates possession or origin, 'entre' (between) is necessary when describing a gap separating two groups.

Hay un abismo entre lo que soñamos y lo que logramos.

Evita usar 'abismo' para describir un simple bache en la carretera.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll use 'abismo' with the gravity and precision it deserves.
To truly master abismo, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Spanish has several words for deep spaces, each with its own 'flavor'.
Precipicio vs. Abismo
A 'precipicio' is specifically the edge or the steep drop-off of a cliff. You stand on a 'precipicio'. The 'abismo' is the vast, dark space below the 'precipicio'. 'Se cayó por el precipicio al abismo'.

Desde el precipicio, se veía el fondo del abismo.

Sima
A 'sima' is a vertical pit or cave. It is a technical term used by geologists and cavers. While an 'abismo' can be metaphorical, a 'sima' is almost always physical. 'La sima tenía doscientos metros de profundidad'.

Los espeleólogos descendieron a la sima con cuerdas especiales.

Vacío
'Vacío' means 'emptiness' or 'void'. It is often used interchangeably with 'abismo' in emotional contexts. 'Siento un vacío en el alma' vs. 'Siento un abismo de soledad'. 'Abismo' is more dramatic and implies depth, while 'vacío' implies a lack of content.

Saltó al vacío sin paracaídas.

Barranco / Despeñadero
These are more common, everyday words for a ravine or a steep slope. 'Barranco' is very common in Spain and Latin America for a natural ditch or canyon. It doesn't have the same 'infinite' connotation as 'abismo'.

El coche se salió de la carretera y cayó por un barranco.

La diferencia de opiniones era un abismo que nadie quería saltar.

Knowing these alternatives allows you to be more precise in your descriptions and avoid repetitive language in your Spanish writing.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"La brecha de ingresos constituye un abismo social preocupante."

Neutre

"El excursionista vio un abismo profundo en la montaña."

Informel

"Hay un abismo entre lo que me dices y lo que haces, tío."

Child friendly

"El gigante vivía al otro lado del gran abismo."

Argot

"Ese examen fue un abismo, no sabía nada."

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'abisal' refers to the deepest parts of the ocean, where no light reaches, directly coming from 'abismo'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /aˈβismo/
US /aˈβismo/
The stress is on the second syllable: a-BIS-mo.
Rime avec
mismo optimismo turismo abismo cinismo egoísmo bautismo mecanismo
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'b' too hard like an English 'b'.
  • Stressing the first syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'abyss'.

Écriture 5/5

Requires understanding of metaphorical usage and prepositions.

Expression orale 4/5

Pronunciation is simple, but choosing the right context takes practice.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear in news or films.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

profundo montaña hueco diferencia caer

Apprends ensuite

precipicio sima vértigo insondable insalvable

Avancé

ontológico vacuidad inefable vorágine despeñadero

Grammaire à connaître

Contraction 'al'

Voy al (a + el) abismo.

Masculine gender agreement

El abismo profundo (not profunda).

Preposition 'entre' for comparisons

Un abismo entre tú y yo.

Use of 'lo' with adjectives for abstract nouns

Lo abismal de la situación nos asusta.

Pluralization of nouns ending in 'o'

Los abismos son peligrosos.

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Exemples par niveau

1

El gato mira el abismo desde la mesa.

The cat looks at the abyss from the table.

'El abismo' is the direct object.

2

No camines cerca del abismo.

Don't walk near the abyss.

'Cerca de' is a common prepositional phrase.

3

Hay un abismo en el bosque.

There is an abyss in the forest.

'Hay' means 'there is'.

4

El abismo es muy profundo.

The abyss is very deep.

'Profundo' agrees with the masculine 'abismo'.

5

¿Qué hay en el abismo?

What is in the abyss?

Question structure with 'qué'.

6

Veo un abismo oscuro.

I see a dark abyss.

'Oscuro' is the adjective.

7

El abismo es peligroso.

The abyss is dangerous.

'Peligroso' means dangerous.

8

La piedra cae al abismo.

The stone falls into the abyss.

'Al' is a contraction of 'a' + 'el'.

1

El Gran Cañón tiene un abismo impresionante.

The Grand Canyon has an impressive abyss.

'Impresionante' is a common B1/A2 adjective.

2

Sentí miedo al ver el abismo.

I felt fear upon seeing the abyss.

'Al + infinitive' means 'upon doing something'.

3

El abismo separa las dos montañas.

The abyss separates the two mountains.

'Separa' is the verb 'separar'.

4

Es un abismo sin fondo.

It is a bottomless abyss.

'Sin fondo' means bottomless.

5

Los pájaros vuelan sobre el abismo.

The birds fly over the abyss.

'Sobre' means over/above.

6

El camino termina en un abismo.

The road ends in an abyss.

'Termina en' means ends in.

7

No podemos cruzar el abismo.

We cannot cross the abyss.

'Cruzar' is to cross.

8

El agua cae hacia el abismo.

The water falls toward the abyss.

'Hacia' means toward.

1

Hay un abismo generacional entre mi abuelo y yo.

There is a generational gap between my grandfather and me.

Metaphorical use for 'gap'.

2

La economía está al borde del abismo.

The economy is on the brink of the abyss.

Idiomatic expression 'al borde del'.

3

Sentía un abismo de tristeza en su corazón.

He felt an abyss of sadness in his heart.

Metaphorical use for emotional depth.

4

Existe un abismo entre sus palabras y sus hechos.

There is a chasm between his words and his deeds.

Comparing two abstract concepts.

5

El equipo se asomó al abismo de la derrota.

The team peered into the abyss of defeat.

'Asomarse' means to peer or look into.

6

Su silencio abrió un abismo entre nosotros.

His silence opened a chasm between us.

'Abrir' is used to show the creation of a gap.

7

No dejes que el abismo te detenga.

Don't let the abyss stop you.

Imperative 'no dejes'.

8

Ella miró al abismo y sintió vértigo.

She looked into the abyss and felt vertigo.

'Vértigo' is often associated with 'abismo'.

1

El abismo social en la ciudad es cada vez más evidente.

The social chasm in the city is increasingly evident.

'Cada vez más' means increasingly.

2

Su propuesta nos arrastra al abismo financiero.

His proposal drags us into the financial abyss.

'Arrastrar' means to drag.

3

La diferencia de salarios es un abismo insalvable.

The wage difference is an unbridgeable chasm.

'Insalvable' means unbridgeable.

4

Contempló el abismo de su propia existencia.

He contemplated the abyss of his own existence.

Existential context.

5

El país evitó el abismo gracias a las reformas.

The country avoided the abyss thanks to the reforms.

'Evitar' is to avoid.

6

Se lanzó al abismo de lo desconocido.

He threw himself into the abyss of the unknown.

'Lo desconocido' uses the neuter article 'lo'.

7

El abismo entre la teoría y la práctica es enorme.

The gap between theory and practice is enormous.

Common academic comparison.

8

Vivir así es como bailar en el borde del abismo.

Living like this is like dancing on the edge of the abyss.

Simile using 'como'.

1

Nietzsche decía que el abismo también te mira a ti.

Nietzsche said that the abyss also looks at you.

Reference to famous philosophy.

2

La novela explora el abismo de la locura humana.

The novel explores the abyss of human madness.

Abstract literary usage.

3

Se produjo un abismo ontológico difícil de explicar.

An ontological abyss occurred that is difficult to explain.

Academic term 'ontológico'.

4

El abismo de los siglos nos separa de los romanos.

The abyss of centuries separates us from the Romans.

Temporal metaphor.

5

Su mirada era un abismo donde me perdía.

Her gaze was an abyss where I would get lost.

Poetic romantic usage.

6

La crisis climática nos empuja hacia el abismo.

The climate crisis pushes us toward the abyss.

Global issue context.

7

Es necesario cerrar el abismo de la desigualdad.

It is necessary to close the chasm of inequality.

'Cerrar' used metaphorically.

8

El abismo del olvido es el destino final de muchos.

The abyss of oblivion is the final destiny of many.

'Olvido' means oblivion/forgetfulness.

1

La vacuidad de su discurso revelaba un abismo intelectual.

The emptiness of his speech revealed an intellectual abyss.

High-level critique.

2

El alma humana es un abismo insondable de pasiones.

The human soul is an unfathomable abyss of passions.

'Insondable' means unfathomable.

3

La dialéctica entre el ser y el abismo es central en su obra.

The dialectic between being and the abyss is central to his work.

Complex philosophical structure.

4

Se asomó al abismo de la nada y no encontró respuesta.

He peered into the abyss of nothingness and found no answer.

Existentialist theme.

5

El abismo que media entre la intención y el acto.

The abyss that lies between intention and act.

'Mediar' means to lie between.

6

Su poesía habita en el abismo de lo inefable.

His poetry dwells in the abyss of the ineffable.

'Inefable' means inexpressible.

7

La arquitectura gótica parece desafiar el abismo.

Gothic architecture seems to defy the abyss.

Art history context.

8

Aquel abismo de silencio era más elocuente que las palabras.

That abyss of silence was more eloquent than words.

Paradoxical usage.

Collocations courantes

al borde del abismo
abismo generacional
caer al abismo
abismo insondable
abismo social
asomarse al abismo
abismo de soledad
cruzar el abismo
abismo marino
abismo financiero

Phrases Courantes

Un abismo de diferencia

— A huge difference.

Hay un abismo de diferencia entre ellos.

Mirar al abismo

— To face a terrifying reality.

Mirar al abismo requiere valor.

El abismo de la historia

— The vastness of past time.

Perdido en el abismo de la historia.

Salvarse del abismo

— To avoid a disaster.

Se salvó del abismo por poco.

Abismo de pasión

— Intense, dangerous emotions.

Es un abismo de pasión sin control.

Puente sobre el abismo

— A solution to a big problem.

Necesitamos un puente sobre el abismo.

Abismo entre clases

— Social inequality.

El abismo entre clases es injusto.

Hacia el abismo

— Heading toward disaster.

Caminan ciegos hacia el abismo.

Al fondo del abismo

— At the very bottom of a pit.

La joya está al fondo del abismo.

Un abismo insalvable

— A gap that cannot be crossed.

Es un abismo insalvable para nosotros.

Souvent confondu avec

abismo vs sima

Sima is a technical pit; abismo is more general and metaphorical.

abismo vs cima

Cima is the top; abismo is the bottom. They sound similar in Latin America.

abismo vs vacío

Vacío is emptiness; abismo is a deep space.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estar al borde del abismo"

— To be in a critical situation.

El país está al borde del abismo económico.

neutral
"Asomarse al abismo"

— To be close to a dangerous change.

La tecnología se asoma al abismo de la IA.

neutral
"Caer en el abismo"

— To suffer a complete failure.

Muchos imperios cayeron en el abismo.

literary
"Un abismo de distancia"

— To be very far apart in ideas.

Nos separa un abismo de distancia ideológica.

neutral
"El abismo llama al abismo"

— Problems tend to multiply.

En su vida, el abismo llama al abismo.

literary
"Mirar el abismo a los ojos"

— To face fear directly.

Miró al abismo a los ojos y no parpadeó.

poetic
"Vértigo del abismo"

— The attraction of danger.

Siente el vértigo del abismo cada noche.

literary
"Lanzar al abismo"

— To ruin someone or something.

Sus mentiras lo lanzaron al abismo.

neutral
"Sacar del abismo"

— To rescue from a bad situation.

Su madre lo sacó del abismo.

neutral
"Abismo de dudas"

— A state of great uncertainty.

Estoy en un abismo de dudas ahora mismo.

neutral

Facile à confondre

abismo vs cima

They sound similar.

Cima is the peak/summit; abismo is the deep chasm.

Llegamos a la cima, pero abajo estaba el abismo.

abismo vs precipicio

They both relate to cliffs.

Precipicio is the drop-off; abismo is the space below.

Se paró en el precipicio y miró el abismo.

abismo vs barranco

Both are deep landforms.

Barranco is a ravine; abismo is much deeper and more dramatic.

El coche cayó por el barranco, pero no llegó al abismo.

abismo vs sima

Both mean deep pits.

Sima is specific to caves/geology; abismo is broader.

La sima de los huesos es un abismo natural.

abismo vs hueco

Both are openings.

Hueco is a small hole; abismo is a massive chasm.

Hay un hueco en la pared, no un abismo.

Structures de phrases

A1

Hay un abismo.

Hay un abismo grande.

A2

El abismo es [adjective].

El abismo es muy oscuro.

B1

Estar al borde del abismo.

Estamos al borde del abismo.

B1

Un abismo entre [A] y [B].

Hay un abismo entre mi hermano y yo.

B2

Asomarse al abismo de [noun].

Se asomó al abismo de la locura.

C1

Un abismo [adjective] que [verb].

Un abismo insalvable que nos separa.

C1

Caer en el abismo de [abstract noun].

Cayó en el abismo del olvido.

C2

El abismo que media entre [A] y [B].

El abismo que media entre la idea y la acción.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Medium-high in formal/literary contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • la abismo → el abismo

    'Abismo' is a masculine noun.

  • un abismo de diferencia → un abismo entre...

    While 'de diferencia' is okay, 'entre' is more natural for comparing two entities.

  • un abismo pequeño → un hueco pequeño

    'Abismo' by definition cannot be small.

  • cima (when meaning abyss) → sima / abismo

    'Cima' means top; 'sima' means pit. Don't mix them up!

  • abismo generacion → abismo generacional

    You need the adjective 'generacional', not the noun 'generación'.

Astuces

Learn the Cognate

Remember that 'abismo' is the Spanish version of 'abyss'. This makes it one of the easiest B1 words to learn for English speakers.

Watch the Prepositions

Use 'entre' when talking about a gap between two things. 'Un abismo entre nosotros' is the standard structure.

Use for Emphasis

When 'diferencia' isn't strong enough, use 'abismo' to show that a gap is truly massive.

Soft 'B'

In Spanish, the 'b' in 'abismo' is soft. Don't press your lips together too hard.

Social Context

In news, 'abismo' is the go-to word for wealth inequality. Use it in essays about social justice.

Emotional Depth

Use 'abismo' to describe deep sadness or loneliness to sound more poetic in your writing.

Hiking Terms

If you are hiking in Spain, look for signs saying 'Peligro: Abismo' to stay safe near cliffs.

Existentialism

'Abismo' is a key word in existentialist literature. If you read Unamuno, you will see it often.

Brink of Disaster

Memorize 'al borde del abismo'. It is one of the most useful idioms for describing crises.

Contrast Tool

Use 'abismo' to create a strong contrast between two opposing ideas in a debate.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'A Big Small' gap that is actually huge. 'A-BIS-mo'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing on a cliff edge looking into a dark, bottomless pit.

Word Web

profundo oscuro miedo distancia caer montaña océano peligro

Défi

Try to use 'abismo' in a sentence about a difference between two generations today.

Origine du mot

From the Late Latin 'abyssus', which comes from the Greek 'abyssos' (ἄβυσσος).

Sens originel : The Greek word means 'bottomless' (a- 'without' + byssos 'bottom').

Indo-European > Greek > Latin > Spanish.

Contexte culturel

Generally safe to use, but implies gravity and seriousness.

Similar to 'abyss', but 'abismo' is used more frequently in daily news regarding social gaps.

Nietzsche's 'Abgrund' (Abyss) is a key philosophical reference. 'Abismo de pasión' is a famous Mexican telenovela.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Geography

  • el abismo marino
  • un abismo profundo
  • caer al abismo
  • la profundidad del abismo

Politics

  • el abismo social
  • un abismo ideológico
  • al borde del abismo
  • el abismo entre clases

Emotions

  • un abismo de tristeza
  • un abismo de soledad
  • caer en el abismo
  • el abismo de la duda

Relationships

  • un abismo entre nosotros
  • abrir un abismo
  • el abismo generacional
  • cruzar el abismo

Finance

  • el abismo fiscal
  • al borde del abismo financiero
  • caer en el abismo económico
  • evitar el abismo

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que hay un abismo generacional muy grande hoy en día?"

"¿Alguna vez has sentido vértigo al mirar un abismo?"

"¿Cómo podemos cerrar el abismo entre ricos y pobres?"

"¿Qué película te ha hecho sentir que los personajes estaban al borde del abismo?"

"¿Hay un abismo entre tus sueños y tu realidad actual?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe un momento en el que te sentiste al borde del abismo.

Escribe sobre el abismo que existe entre dos culturas que conoces.

¿Qué hay al fondo del abismo de tus miedos más profundos?

Imagina un mundo sin abismos sociales. ¿Cómo sería?

Reflexiona sobre la frase: 'Si miras al abismo, el abismo te mira a ti'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is masculine: 'el abismo'. Even though it's a deep space, it follows the standard 'o' ending rule for masculine nouns.

No, 'abismo' implies something very large and deep. For small gaps, use 'hueco' or 'grieta'.

A 'precipicio' is the steep edge you can fall from. An 'abismo' is the deep, dark space that exists below that edge.

The most common way is 'abismo generacional' or 'brecha generacional'.

Yes, it is very common in news, literature, and formal discussions about social issues.

Usually, yes, as it implies danger or a lack of understanding, but in nature, it can simply be a descriptive term for beauty.

It means 'on the brink of disaster' or in a very critical, dangerous situation.

Common adjectives include 'profundo' (deep), 'insondable' (unfathomable), 'oscuro' (dark), and 'insalvable' (unbridgeable).

The verb form is 'abismarse', which means to become engrossed in something or to be overwhelmed.

Yes, it is frequently used to describe the depths of the sea or the underworld.

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Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Escribe una oración simple con 'abismo'.

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writing

Describe un abismo que viste en una película.

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writing

Escribe sobre un 'abismo generacional' que notes en tu familia.

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writing

¿Qué significa para ti estar 'al borde del abismo'?

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writing

Explica el 'abismo social' en tu ciudad.

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writing

Usa 'asomarse al abismo' en una frase sobre el cambio climático.

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writing

Analiza la metáfora del abismo en la psicología.

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writing

Escribe un poema corto (4 versos) usando la palabra 'abismo'.

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writing

Diserta sobre el 'abismo ontológico' entre el ser y la tecnología.

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writing

Escribe una carta breve a un amigo que está 'al borde del abismo'.

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writing

¿Por qué es peligroso un abismo?

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writing

Compara 'abismo' con 'diferencia'.

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writing

¿Qué quiso decir Nietzsche con su frase sobre el abismo?

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writing

Usa 'abismo de soledad' en un contexto romántico.

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writing

Describe una crisis económica usando 'abismo'.

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writing

¿Cómo se puede 'cerrar un abismo' entre dos naciones?

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writing

¿De qué color es el fondo de un abismo?

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writing

¿Qué sientes cuando miras un abismo físico?

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writing

Crea un diálogo corto usando 'abismo generacional'.

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writing

Reflexiona sobre el 'abismo del tiempo'.

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speaking

Pronuncia: 'El abismo'.

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speaking

Di: 'El abismo es muy profundo'.

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speaking

Explica qué es un 'abismo generacional' con tus palabras.

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speaking

Di: 'Estamos al borde del abismo'.

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speaking

Describe un problema social usando 'abismo'.

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speaking

Pronuncia: 'insondable' y úsalo con 'abismo'.

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speaking

Resume la idea de Nietzsche sobre el abismo.

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speaking

Usa 'abismo' en una frase poética.

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speaking

¿Te gusta mirar al abismo?

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speaking

¿Qué sientes en un abismo?

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speaking

¿Cómo evitar el abismo financiero?

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speaking

¿Es el tiempo un abismo?

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speaking

¿Dónde hay un abismo famoso?

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speaking

Diferencia entre 'abismo' y 'agujero'.

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speaking

¿Qué es un abismo de dudas?

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speaking

¿Cómo cerrarías un abismo político?

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speaking

Repite: 'Un abismo oscuro'.

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speaking

¿Has estado al borde del abismo emocional?

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speaking

¿Es el mar un abismo?

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speaking

Define 'abismo ontológico'.

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listening

Escucha y escribe: 'El abismo'.

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listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Un abismo profundo'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Al borde del abismo'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Abismo generacional'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Abismo insalvable'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Abismo financiero'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Abismo insondable'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Abismo de soledad'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y elige: ¿Dijo 'abismo' o 'amigo'?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y elige: ¿Dijo 'borde' o 'noche'?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha y elige: ¿Dijo 'fiscal' o 'final'?

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listening

Escucha y elige: ¿Dijo 'ontológico' o 'biológico'?

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listening

Escucha: 'No caigas'. ¿Qué sigue? 'al abismo'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha: 'Hay un abismo...' ¿Qué sigue? 'entre nosotros'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha: 'Mirar al abismo...' ¿Qué sigue? 'da vértigo'.

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error correction

La abismo es muy profunda.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : El abismo es muy profundo.

'Abismo' is masculine.

error correction

Hay un abismo de nosotros.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Hay un abismo entre nosotros.

Use 'entre' for gaps between people.

error correction

Estamos al bordo del abismo.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Estamos al borde del abismo.

The phrase is 'al borde'.

writing

¿Qué harías si estuvieras al borde del abismo?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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