subrayar
/subraˈʝaɾ/
The English word underline translates to the Spanish subrayar.
Meaning: line underneath text (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of the prefix sub- (under) and rayar (to scratch or make lines).
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle subrayado is used as an adjective to describe text that has been underlined.
How do you pronounce it?
/subraˈʝaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word raya can refer to a line, but it is also the Spanish word for a 'stingray'. This means subrayar literally uses a root that can mean both a geometric mark and a fish.
- In Spanish, rayar is often confused with rallar, which means 'to grate' food like cheese. They sound identical in most dialects, but you would use rallar for a kitchen task and subrayar for a textbook.
- In slang, particularly in Spain, rayarse can mean to 'overthink' or 'obsess' about something until it gets stuck in your head.
Examples in context
- Subraya las palabras clave en el párrafo.Underline the key words in the paragraph.
- Por favor, subraya con un lápiz rojo.Please underline with a red pencil.
- Subraya esta oración.Underline this sentence.
- Subraya en rojo los ejemplos negativos.Underline the negative examples in red.
- Por favor, usa la herramienta de subrayado en el archivo adjunto.Please use the underlining tool in the attached file.
- Por favor, subraya las palabras importantes.Please, underline the important words.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are studying together in a library.
- MateoLucía, ¿puedes subrayar el nombre del autor?Lucía, can you underline the author's name?
- LucíaSí, Mateo. ¿Debo subrayar también el año?Yes, Mateo. Should I underline the year too?
- MateoNo, solo hay que subrayar el nombre.No, you only need to underline the name.
- LucíaEstá bien, ya lo hice.Okay, I already did it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry subrayar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
