descubierto
/deskuˈbjeɾto/
The English word "uncovered" is translated into Spanish as descubierto.
descubierto is an adjective used to describe something that is not covered or protected.
Meaning: not covered or protected (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix des- functions as a negation or reversal, similar to the English prefix "un-".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and parts of Central America, it is common to use the word destapado or destapada to mean uncovered.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, descubierto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use descubierta for feminine singular nouns, descubiertos for masculine plural nouns and descubiertas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/deskuˈbjeɾto/
Did you know?
- The phrase quedar al descubierto is an idiom meaning to be left vulnerable or exposed to criticism, similar to the English phrase 'left out in the cold'.
- While descubierto means 'uncovered', the word descubrir can also mean to 'discover' a scientific truth or a hidden secret.
- The term descubrimiento is often used in textbooks to refer specifically to the 'Discovery of America', a phrase that is now historically debated.
Examples in context
- El secreto quedó al descubiertoThe secret was uncovered.
- La verdad salió a la luzThe truth came to light.
- El torso permaneció sin cubrirThe torso remained uncovered.
- La cabeza quedó sin taparThe head was left uncovered.
- ¡La olla está destapada!The pot is uncovered!
- El techo está descubierto.The roof is uncovered.
- Dejaste el plato descubierto.You left the plate uncovered.
- El terreno descubierto es muy caluroso.The uncovered ground is very hot.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in the kitchen during a meal.
- JavierElena, ¿por qué el pastel está descubierto?Elena, why is the cake uncovered?
- ElenaLo siento, Javier, se me olvidó.I am sorry, Javier, I forgot.
- JavierNo pasa nada, lo taparé ahora.It is nothing, I will cover it now.
- ElenaGracias, es mejor que no esté descubierto.Thank you, it is better if it is not uncovered.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry descubierto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
