Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| escalar | /eskaˈlaɾ/ |
| subir | /suˈbiɾ/ |
Spanish uses different verbs depending on the type of movement. escalar is used for technical or sporting activities, such as rock climbing or mountain climbing, that involve physical exertion and specialized movement. subir is the general verb for moving from a lower to a higher position, such as climbing stairs, a ladder or a hill. In a digital context, subir is also used to mean 'to upload' files or content to the internet. Additionally, the verb trepar can be used to mean to clamber or to scramble.
Which one should you use?
Use escalar for technical, sporting climbs like rock climbing. Use subir for general movement upwards, such as going up a hill or stairs.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun for a climb or an ascent is subida, while the masculine noun ascenso is often used to refer to a formal ascent or a professional promotion.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskaˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- While subir means 'to climb' or 'to go up', it is also the standard verb used when you 'get into' or 'board' a bus, train or taxi.
- The phrase subir el tono literally means 'to climb the tone' but is used idiomatically to mean raising one's voice in anger.
- The noun escala used to form escalar can also mean a 'stopover' or 'layover' during a flight or voyage.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedes subir al árbol?Can you climb the tree?This sentence is useful for practicing the verb subir in a question.Tatoeba #1019133 by Shishir, translation #43808 by CK
- Tengo que subir al árbol.I need to climb the tree.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb subir in a statement of necessity.Tatoeba #3626521 by cueyayotl, translation #4301655 by mervert1
- Tom adora escalar montañas.Tom loves to climb mountains.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb escalar.Tatoeba #1546376 by marcelostockle, translation #680529 by Source_VOA
- Es emocionante escalar montañas altas durante el verano.It's exciting to climb high mountains during the summer.
- Por favor, suba las escaleras para llegar al mirador.Please climb the stairs to reach the viewpoint.
- Ayer escalé esa montaña y las vistas fueron increíbles.Yesterday I climbed that mountain, and the views were amazing.
- Hoy, durante mi excursión, alcancé la cima de esa montaña espectacular y luego subí al techo del mundo.Today, during my excursion, I reached the top of that spectacular mountain and then climbed to the rooftop of the world.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are planning a weekend trip.
- LucíaQuiero escalar esa pared de roca.I want to climb that rock wall.
- JavierEs muy alta, Javier tiene miedo.It is very high, Javier is afraid.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, podemos escalar juntos.Don't worry, we can climb together.
- JavierEstá bien, Lucía, vamos a intentarlo.All right, Lucía, let's try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “climb” translations and entries escalar, subir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
