cubierto
/kuˈbjeɾto/
The English word 'covered' is translated into Spanish as cubierto.
The adjective cubierto is used to describe something that is overlaid or enclosed within another substance. When you want to say that something is 'covered with' a specific substance, such as snow, clouds or sweat, you should use the preposition de (e.g., cubierto de nieve) rather than using con.
Meaning: overlaid or enclosed within something (adj)
Which one should you use?
While primarily an adjective meaning 'covered', in the context of dining, cubierto can also refer to the cutlery itself or a complete place setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use cubierto for masculine singular nouns, cubierta for feminine singular nouns, cubiertos for masculine plural nouns and cubiertas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuˈbjeɾto/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the word cubierto to describe a 'cover charge' at a restaurant, which is a fee for the tablecloth and bread.
- The term cubierta is also used in aviation to describe the fuselage or the 'skin' of an aircraft.
- The word cubierta can refer to the deck of a ship or the cover of a book, treating the physical surface as a protective layer.
Examples in context
- Él estaba cubierto en sudor.He was covered with sweat.This sentence shows how to use cubierto to describe being covered with sweat.Tatoeba #1331721 by Shishir, translation #294925 by CK
- Todo está cubierto de nieve.Everything is covered with snow.This sentence demonstrates using cubierto to describe being covered with snow.Tatoeba #9015994 by Shishir, translation #9015899 by Ergulis
- El cielo está cubierto de nubes.The sky is covered with clouds.This sentence illustrates using cubierto to describe being covered with clouds.Tatoeba #3817885 by cueyayotl, translation #18282 by CK
- La mesa está cubierta de mantel blanco.The table is covered with a white tablecloth.
- El coche está tapado con una lona para protegerlo.The car is covered with a tarp to protect it.
- El niño está arropado con una manta.The child is covered with a blanket.
- Me arropé con las sábanas para dormir mejor.I covered myself with the sheets to sleep better.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a garden after a storm.
- JavierMira, el jardín está cubierto de ramas.Look, the garden is covered in branches.
- ElenaSí, Javier, es un desastre.Yes, Javier, it is a mess.
- JavierDebemos limpiar todo esto.We must clean all of this.
- ElenaTienes razón, empecemos ahora.You are right, let's start now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “covered” translations and entries cubierto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
