subirse
/subiɾse/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'get on' (referring to entering a vehicle) is translated as subirse.
The term subirse is used when getting onto vehicles or animals where one climbs up into them, such as a bus, a car, a horse or a bicycle. Do not confuse this with the phrase llevarse bien, which means 'to get along well'.
Meaning: to enter (a vehicle) (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb subir literally means 'to go up' or 'to climb', which reflects the physical action of ascending into a vehicle or onto an animal.
Which one should you use?
The reflexive form subirse is often used to emphasize the action of the person performing the movement, whereas subir can also mean 'to raise' or 'to go up' (as in a temperature or a hill).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using subirse to mean getting onto a vehicle, it is almost always followed by the preposition a (often contracted as al when used with el).
How do you pronounce it?
/subiɾse/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use entrar en (to enter) for all vehicles, but subirse is more natural for buses, trains and cars.
Did you know?
- The English word 'subway' shares a distant root with subir through the Latin 'subire', meaning 'to go under' or 'to approach', though the Spanish verb evolved to mean 'going up'.
- The reflexive subirse is often used in the phrase subirse el tono, which doesn't involve a vehicle but means to raise one's voice in an aggressive or arrogant way.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase subirse a bordo is used as a playful or metaphorical way to say 'joining a group' or 'getting on board' with a new idea.
Examples in context
- Ayudé a Tom a subirse al caballo.I helped Tom get on the horse.This sentence shows how to use subirse when helping someone onto a horse.Tatoeba #9687729 by Shishir, translation #9687334 by CK
- A él le gusta subirse al caballo y salir.He likes to get on the horse and go out.This sentence uses subirse to describe the preference for getting on a horse and going out.Tatoeba #2694193 by emanuel81, translation #302386 by fucongcong
- Por favor, señor, suba al autobús.Please, sir, get on the bus.
- Los pasajeros deben abordar el avión en este momento.Passengers should get on the plane at this time.
- ¡Date prisa, el taxi está esperando, vamos a subir!Hurry up, the taxi is waiting, let's get on!
- Vamos a agarrar el metro para llegar más rápido.Let's get on the subway to get there faster.
- No puedo subir al avión sin mi pasaporte.I can't get on the plane without my passport.
- Vamos a subir al autobús en la próxima parada.Let's get on the bus at the next stop.
- Me caes bien, podríamos llevarnos bien juntos.I like you, we could get along well together.
- Hay que subirse al autobús rápido.We have to get on the bus quickly.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at a train station.
- ElenaEs hora de subirse al tren, Daniel.It is time to get on the train, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, vamos rápido.You are right, let's go quickly.
- Elena¿Tienes todas tus maletas?Do you have all your suitcases?
- DanielSí, ya estoy listo.Yes, I am ready now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry subirse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
