subir
/suˈbiɾ/
To go up in Spanish is subir.
subir is used to describe physical movement upwards. It is also used for the increase of abstract values like prices, temperatures or salaries. For example, you can use it when talking about a salary or taxi fares. In a digital context, subir can also mean to upload files to the internet. Common specific expressions include subir las escaleras for climbing the stairs and subir el volumen for turning up the volume.
Meaning: to move upwards (verb)
Which one should you use?
While subir means to go up or to upload, you should use escalar to mean specifically to climb and alzar to mean to lift.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund form (meaning 'going up') is subiendo. If you want to say that someone or something 'went up' in the third-person singular preterite, use subió. The noun form representing the action of going up or an ascent is subida.
How do you pronounce it?
/suˈbiɾ/
Did you know?
- The word subir shares a root with the English word 'subsurface' because both come from the Latin sub, meaning 'under' or 'below'.
- In Spanish, you use subir not only for the act of going up but also for the act of boarding a bus, train or plane.
- While subir is used for 'uploading' files, the English term 'download' is often translated as bajar, which literally means 'to go down' or 'to lower'.
Examples in context
- Tú debes subir la colina.You must go up the hill.This sentence shows how to use subir regarding physical movement up a hill.Tatoeba #1182569 by marcelostockle, translation #16214 by Swift
- El sueldo subirá desde abril.The salary will go up starting in April.This sentence demonstrates using subir to describe an increase in salary.Tatoeba #646916 by clerval, translation #72597 by kremel
- Las tarifas de los taxis subirán el próximo mes.Taxi fares will go up next month.This sentence shows using subir in the context of increasing taxi fares.Tatoeba #2826665 by marcelostockle, translation #325028 by CK
- Por favor, suba las escaleras hasta la oficina.Please go up the stairs to the office.
- Asegúrese de subir el volumen del micrófono.Make sure to turn up the volume of the microphone.
- La empresa me ofreció ascender en mi puesto de trabajo.The company offered me a promotion in my job.
- Para ascender dentro de la compañía, debes demostrar tus habilidades.To move up within the company, you must demonstrate your skills.
- ¿Sube al carro? Nos vamos a la playa.Do you want to hop in the car? We're going to the beach.
- Oye, sube a la terraza que están los demás.Hey, come up to the terrace, everyone is there.
- Anda, vamos a subir al mirador y disfrutar la vista.Come on, let's go up to the viewpoint and enjoy the view.
- ¡Vamos a escalar la montaña!Let's go climb the mountain!
- Necesitamos alzar la bandera hasta arriba.We need to raise the flag all the way up.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are standing in the lobby of a hotel.
- JavierMaría, ¿quieres subir por el ascensor?María, do you want to go up using the elevator?
- MaríaSí, prefiero subir por allí.Yes, I prefer to go up that way.
- JavierPerfecto, vamos a subir juntos.Perfect, let's go up together.
- MaríaEstá bien, Javier.Okay, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry subir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries subir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
