encubierto
/enkuˈbjeɾto/
The English phrase "undercover" is translated into Spanish as encubierto.
Encubierto is an adjective used to describe someone who is employed or engaged in spying or secret investigation.
Meaning: Employed or engaged in spying or secret investigation (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word encubierto is the past participle of the verb encubrir, which means to cover, conceal or hide.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use encubierta for feminine singular nouns, encubiertos for masculine plural nouns or mixed-gender groups and encubiertas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/enkuˈbjeɾto/
Did you know?
- To describe an 'under the table' or secret deal, you can use the colloquial idiom bajo cuerda, which literally translates to 'under rope'.
- If someone is 'undercover' in the sense of being a 'mole' inside an organization, Spanish speakers often use the term topo meaning 'mole'.
- In certain Spanish-speaking legal systems, encubrimiento is the specific name for the crime of 'obstruction of justice' or 'concealment'.
Examples in context
- Fue capturado por un policía encubierto.He was caught by an undercover police officer.This sentence demonstrates the use of encubierto to describe a police officer.Tatoeba #1943580 by camilou, translation #1848869 by Spamster
- El detective trabajó encubierto durante meses para desmantelar la red de tráfico de drogas.The detective worked undercover for months to dismantle the drug trafficking ring.
- La agente estaba infiltrada en la organización criminal y proporcionaba información crucial.The agent was undercover in the criminal organization and provided crucial information.
- El periodista se encontraba camuflado en la manifestación para obtener información exclusiva.The journalist was undercover at the protest to obtain exclusive information.
- El agente encubierto entró al edificio.The undercover agent entered the building.
- Tienen un plan encubierto para la operación.They have an undercover plan for the operation.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a crime documentary at home.
- Mateo¿Era un oficial encubierto?Was he an undercover officer?
- ElenaSí, trabajaba de forma encubierta.Yes, he worked undercover.
- MateoEs una misión muy peligrosa.It is a very dangerous mission.
- ElenaPor eso es tan emocionante.That is why it is so exciting.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry encubierto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
