cueva
/ˈkweba/feminine
The English word "cave" is translated into Spanish as cueva. Wiktionary also lists gruta.
Meaning: large, naturally occurring cavity formed underground (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cueva | /ˈkweba/ | feminine |
| gruta | /ˈɡɾuta/ | feminine |
Both cueva and gruta refer to a large, naturally occurring cavity formed underground.
Which one should you use?
While cueva is the standard word for a cave, gruta is often used in more literary, poetic or formal contexts to describe a grotto or a large cavern.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cueva is cuevas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkweba/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word cueva can be used colloquially to describe a small, dark, or cramped room, much like the English term 'hole'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, cuevas are mentioned in folklore as gateways to the underworld or homes for mythical spirits.
- The word gruta is a doublet of cripta because both originate from the Latin word 'crypta'.
Examples in context
- Entré a la cueva.I entered the cave.This sentence is useful for describing the action of entering a cueva.Tatoeba #1794894 by marcelostockle, translation #7822767 by eggershead
- Salí de la cueva.I walked out of the cave.This sentence is useful for describing the action of walking out of a cueva.Tatoeba #8018390 by Seael, translation #8018386 by OsoHombre
- Nos perdimos en la cueva.We got lost in the cave.This sentence is useful for describing the action of getting lost in a cueva.Tatoeba #8970613 by Shishir, translation #8967901 by CK
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una cueva?Where can I find a cave?
- Hoy estamos explorando una gruta nuevaToday we are exploring a new cave
- Las cavernas de esta región son impresionantesThe caves in this region are impressive
- ¡Esta cueva es increíble!This cave is incredible!
- ¿Hay cuevas cercanas que se puedan explorar?Are there any nearby caves that can be explored?
- Estoy perdido/a en la cueva.I am lost in the cave.
- Esta cueva fue formada por la erosión.This cave was formed by erosion.
- La fauna en las cuevas puede ser única.The fauna in caves can be unique.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are standing at the entrance of a mountain.
- SofíaLa cueva es muy profunda.The cave is very deep.
- MateoNo tengo miedo de la cueva, Sofía.I am not afraid of the cave, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Quieres entrar a la cueva conmigo?Do you want to enter the cave with me?
- MateoSí, vamos a explorar la cueva.Yes, let's explore the cave.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cave” translations and entries cueva, gruta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cueva, gruta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
