expuesto
/eɡsˈpwesto/
The English word 'exposed' is translated into Spanish as expuesto.
The adjective expuesto describes something that is open and unprotected. When you want to say someone or something is 'exposed to' a specific thing, you should almost always follow the adjective with the preposition a. Additionally, expuesto functions as the past participle of the verb exponer (to expose).
Meaning: open and unprotected (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, expuesto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use expuesta for feminine singular nouns, expuestos for masculine plural nouns or mixed-gender groups and expuestas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡsˈpwesto/
Did you know?
- In Spanish legal or formal contexts, expuesto can be used as a noun to refer to a 'foundling'. This historically described a baby who was 'exposed' or left in a public place to be found and cared for.
- If a politician's secrets are 'exposed', instead of using expuesto, journalists often use the verb destapar, which literally means 'to uncap' or 'to uncover' a lid.
- In a Spanish art gallery, you will see the word expuesto used to describe a painting that is 'on display'. This usage refers to the work being put out for public view rather than being unprotected.
Examples in context
- El público quedó expuesto a la devastación.The audience was exposed to the devastation.This sentence shows how to use expuesto to describe being exposed to devastation.Tatoeba #1165882 by marcelostockle, translation #1165889 by marcelostockle
- Siempre estamos expuestos a algún tipo de peligro.We are always exposed to some kind of danger.This sentence demonstrates the use of expuestos for a plural group being exposed to danger.Tatoeba #864349 by manufrutos, translation #23268 by CC
- Él estaba expuesto a muchos peligros.He was exposed to many dangers.This sentence illustrates the singular masculine form expuesto in the context of danger.Tatoeba #700392 by darinmex, translation #301094 by CK
- Fue puesto/a en evidencia por su falta de preparaciónThey were exposed by their lack of preparation
- Quedó descubierta/o por su falta de experienciaShe/He was exposed due to her/his lack of experience
- El escándalo dejó al descubierto su verdadera personalidadThe scandal exposed his true personality
- Sus errores quedaron en evidencia durante la reuniónHis mistakes were exposed during the meeting
- Lo pillaron copiando en el examen y quedó totalmente expuestoHe was caught cheating on the exam and was completely exposed
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Maria are talking about a house they want to buy.
- MateoEl jardín está muy expuesto al viento.The garden is very exposed to the wind.
- MaríaSí, necesitamos plantar algunos árboles.Yes, we need to plant some trees.
- MateoAsí el patio no estará tan expuesto.That way the patio won't be so exposed.
- MaríaTienes razón, Mateo. Es buena idea.You are right, Mateo. It is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exposed” translations and entries expuesto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
