te cubro la espalda
/te kubɾo la espalda/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'I got your back' is translated into Spanish as te cubro la espalda.
te cubro la espalda is used to express loyalty, protection or support in a situation where someone might be vulnerable or under attack.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'I cover your back', where te is 'you', cubro is 'I cover' and la espalda is 'the back'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase Yo te banco is used to mean 'I'm here for you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb cubrir is conjugated in the first-person singular present tense to indicate a current state of support or protection.
How do you pronounce it?
/te kubɾo la espalda/
Did you know?
- Because of its connection to the Latin word for a 'broad, flat piece', the word espalda is also a distant relative of the English word 'spatula'.
- Using te cubro la espalda in a casual social setting can sound overly dramatic to native speakers, as if the speaker is in a war movie.
- In Argentina, the alternative Yo te banco can mean more than just emotional support, as it can imply that you are 'financing' or paying for the other person.
Examples in context
- Si necesitas ayuda, estoy contigo.If you need help, I am with you.
- Quiero que sepa que puede contar conmigo en todo momento.I want you to know that you can count on me at all times.
- No te preocupes, yo te cubro la espalda.Don't worry, I've got your back.
- No te preocupes, te cubro la espalda.Don't worry, I got your back.
- Ve con cuidado, yo te cubro la espalda.Go carefully, I've got your back.
- Confía en mí, te cubro la espalda.Trust me, I got your back.
Example conversation
Two friends are preparing for a competitive outdoor scavenger hunt.
- AlejandroElena, ¿estás lista para el reto?Elena, are you ready for the challenge?
- ElenaEstoy nerviosa, Alejandro.I am nervous, Alejandro.
- AlejandroTranquila, te cubro la espalda.Calm down, I got your back.
- ElenaGracias, eso me ayuda mucho.Thanks, that helps me a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espalda, la, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
