subir
/suˈbiɾ/
In Spanish, the phrase "going up" is primarily expressed by the verb subir.
The verb subir is used to describe moving to a higher position or level. This includes physical movement like climbing stairs, but it is also used figuratively to describe prices or temperatures increasing. Additionally, in a digital context, subir is the standard term used to mean "to upload" files or content to the internet.
How does it change in a sentence?
The present participle (gerund) is subiendo, which is used to express the continuous action of going up. If you want to say that you went up at a specific point in the past, you can use the first-person singular preterite form subí.
How do you pronounce it?
/suˈbiɾ/
Did you know?
- While subir means 'going up', it is also the standard verb used for getting into or boarding a vehicle, such as a bus, train or car.
- The word subir evolved from the Latin word subīre, which originally meant 'approach'.
- In Spanish, the same verb used for 'going up' is used to describe the process of a plant growing or a child getting taller.
Examples in context
- A Tom se le caló el coche al subir la rampa.Tom's car stalled going up the ramp.This sentence shows how to use subir in the context of a vehicle moving up a ramp.Tatoeba #5644258 by arh, translation #9524960 by DJ_Saidez
- Al subir las escaleras, uno se cansa al final, no al principio.When going up stairs, you get tired at the end, not at the start.This sentence uses subir to describe the act of going up stairs.Tatoeba #10846541 by JSKabylie, translation #10848745 by DJ_Saidez
- Estoy subiendo las escalerasI am going up the stairs
- El ascensor está ascendiendo lentamenteThe elevator is going up slowly
- Vamos subiendo la colinaWe're going up the hill
- Vamos a escalar esa montañaWe're going to climb that mountain
- Vamos subiendo las escaleras, poco a poco.We're going up the stairs, little by little.
- Estoy ascendiendo a la cima de la montaña.I am ascending to the mountain peak.
- Hoy vamos a escalar esa pared rocosa.Today, we're going to climb that rocky wall.
- Tengo que subir las escaleras para llegar al ático.I have to go up the stairs to reach the attic.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are standing at the entrance of a building.
- Sofía¿Quieres subir por el ascensor?Do you want to go up by elevator?
- MateoNo, prefiero subir por las escaleras.No, I prefer to go up the stairs.
- SofíaEstá bien, vamos entonces.Alright, let's go then.
- MateoPerfecto, así hacemos algo de ejercicio.Perfect, that way we get some exercise.
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.
