UP
“UP” means “up!” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
up!
Also: upsy-daisy, heave-ho
📝 In Action
¡Up! Vamos a los brazos de papá.
A1Up! Let's go to daddy's arms.
¡Up, up! ¡Tú puedes saltar esa valla!
A1Up, up! You can jump that fence!
Dijo 'up' al levantar la pesada caja.
B1He said 'up' while lifting the heavy box.
Polytechnic University
📝 In Action
Estudio ingeniería en la UP.
A2I study engineering at the Polytechnic University.
¿Sabes dónde queda la UP de Madrid?
B1Do you know where the Madrid Polytechnic is located?
La UP ofrece becas para extranjeros.
B2The Polytechnic University offers scholarships for foreigners.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: UP
Question 1 of 3
If a child wants to be picked up, they might say:
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The interjection 'Up' is likely a shortened form of 'Upa,' an onomatopoeic word (a sound that mimics an action) used to signal lifting. The noun 'UP' is an acronym for 'Universidad Politécnica'.
First recorded: 20th century (as a modern shorthand)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'UP' a real Spanish word?
Yes, as an interjection it's a common variation of 'upa'. As a noun, it's a very common way to shorten 'Universidad Politécnica'.
Can I use 'UP' in formal writing?
Not as an interjection. Use words like 'levantar' (to lift) or 'arriba' (up). You can use 'la UP' in writing if you have already mentioned the full university name once.
Does 'UP' mean the same as in English?
Only in specific contexts of movement or lifting. It is not used to mean 'up' as a general direction (like 'look up')—for that, you need 'arriba'.