descubrir
/deskuˈbɾiɾ/
The English verb 'discover' is translated into Spanish as descubrir.
descubrir is used to express finding something for the first time. In Spain, if you are specifically referring to discovering information or finding something out, you can also use averiguar.
Meaning: find something for the first time (verb)
Which one should you use?
While descubrir means to find something that was previously unknown, the verb encontrar is used for finding something that was already known or something that was lost.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of descubrir is descubierto. The present subjunctive form of descubrir is descubra.
How do you pronounce it?
/deskuˈbɾiɾ/
Did you know?
- When talking about the 'Discovery' of America, Spanish history books often use the word encuentro meaning 'encounter' to shift the perspective from a one-sided discovery to a meeting of two worlds.
- The verb descubrir is built from the prefix 'des-' meaning 'un-' and the verb cubrir, which means 'to cover'.
- The verb descubrir is used in Spanish to describe the act of exposing a part of the body, such as 'uncovering' one's ankles or shoulders.
Examples in context
- Hay mucho más por descubrir.There's a lot more to discover.This sentence shows how to use descubrir to express that there is more to be discovered.Tatoeba #841936 by Shishir, translation #680707 by Source_VOA
- Tomás tenía un mundo entero por descubrir.Tom had a whole world to discover.This sentence uses descubrir in the context of having a world to discover.Tatoeba #2069449 by marcelostockle, translation #2069485 by marcelostockle
- Rusia es un lugar interesante para descubrir.Russia is an interesting place to discover.This sentence uses descubrir to describe a place that is interesting to discover.Tatoeba #10156204 by saverius, translation #10156175 by Amastan
- He descubierto un nuevo método para resolver el problemaI have discovered a new method to solve the problem
- El científico halló una nueva especie de plantaThe scientist discovered a new species of plant
- Ayer me topé con un tesoro escondido en el bosqueYesterday, I stumbled upon a hidden treasure in the forest
- Descubrí una ruta alternativa para llegar al trabajo.I discovered an alternative route to get to work.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are walking through a new city.
- DanielQuiero descubrir un café pequeño por aquí.I want to discover a small café around here.
- SofíaEs buena idea, Sofía conoce uno muy bueno.That's a good idea, Sofía knows a very good one.
- Daniel¡Genial! Me encanta descubrir lugares nuevos contigo.Great! I love discovering new places with you.
- SofíaA mí también, Daniel. Vamos por allá.Me too, Daniel. Let's go that way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discover” translations and entries descubrir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries descubrir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
