Spanish Conversation · Level 14
89 words
Spanish word
cubrir
Pronunciation
IPA/kuˈβɾiɾ/
Meaning
- verbcover
Example
Ella cubrió la mesa con un mantel.
She covered the table with a tablecloth.
More examples
La empresa cubrió los gastos del viaje.
The company covered the travel expenses.
Core concept
An object placed over something to hide or protect it.
Common phrases
cubrir la mesa
cover the table
cubrir la cabeza
cover one's head
cubrir el cuerpo
cover the body
Similar words
tapar: Closes or blocks an opening so the interior is sealed and not visible.
ocultar: Conceals an object or fact from view so others cannot see or find it.
proteger: Covers or shields something to protect it from damage or danger.
envolver: Wraps an item completely in cloth, paper, or similar material.
Definition in Spanish
Tapar o proteger algo poniendo otra cosa encima; además, usar para pagar gastos, informar sobre un hecho o cubrir a otra persona.
Word origin
From Latin cooperīre (com- 'together' + operīre 'to cover'), whose sense of covering becomes Spanish cubrir.
Usage tips
- In journalism and workplace contexts cubrir commonly means 'to report on' or 'to fill in for someone', so use surrounding words to tell whether it is physical or figurative.