Spanish word

subterráneo

Pronunciation

IPA/suβteˈraneo/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunderground

Example

La estación subterránea está cerca de mi casa.

The underground station is near my house.

Illustration for subterráneo (underground)

More examples

La línea subterránea está temporalmente cerrada por mantenimiento.

The subway line is temporarily closed for maintenance.

Core concept

Structure or area situated directly under the soil, such as a buried foundation or tunnel.

Common phrases

  • línea subterránea

    subway line

  • estación subterránea

    subway station

  • túnel subterráneo

    subterranean tunnel

Similar words

enterrado: Sits buried under the soil, entirely covered and hidden from view.

Definition in Spanish

Indica que algo está situado bajo la superficie del terreno, especialmente espacios o construcciones.

Word origin

The form reflects regular transmission from Latin subterraneus, from sub 'under' + terra 'earth', with Spanish phonology producing subterráneo.

Usage tips

  • In some regions, subterráneo also functions as a noun meaning 'the subway', so it can appear as el subterráneo without another noun.

Other meanings

  • subterraneanadjective
  • subwaynoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word