cubierta
/koo-BYEHR-tah/
cover
Cubierta can mean the outer layer or cover of a book or magazine.
cubierta(noun)
cover
?outer layer of an object (e.g., a book or magazine)
,roof
?top protective layer of a structure
jacket
?book jacket
,wrapping
?external packaging
📝 In Action
La cubierta del libro está dañada.
A2The cover of the book is damaged.
Pusieron una cubierta de lona sobre el coche para protegerlo.
B1They put a canvas cover over the car to protect it.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though 'cubierta' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.
In US English, cubierta refers to the tire component of a vehicle wheel.
cubierta(noun)
tire
?vehicle wheel component (US English)
,tyre
?vehicle wheel component (UK English)
📝 In Action
Una de las cubiertas está pinchada.
B1One of the tires is flat.
Debemos revisar la presión de las cubiertas.
B1We must check the tire pressure.
💡 Grammar Points
Regional Use
While 'neumático' is widely understood, 'cubierta' is often the preferred word for 'tire' in many parts of Latin America, especially Argentina and Uruguay.
When referring to a ship or boat, cubierta means the deck.
📝 In Action
Salimos a la cubierta superior para ver el atardecer.
B2We went out onto the upper deck to watch the sunset.
La tripulación limpió la cubierta después de la tormenta.
C1The crew cleaned the deck after the storm.
As an adjective, cubierta means covered, indicating something is protected or concealed.
📝 In Action
La mesa estaba cubierta con un mantel blanco.
A1The table was covered with a white tablecloth.
La zona de picnic está cubierta, así que podemos comer aunque llueva.
A2The picnic area is covered, so we can eat even if it rains.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
'Cubierta' is the feminine form. Remember to use 'cubierto' if the thing being described is masculine (e.g., 'El coche está cubierto').
Verb Status
This word comes from the verb 'cubrir' (to cover). When used with 'estar' or 'ser' (to be), it describes a state or condition, just like a descriptive word.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: "La casa está cubierto."
Correction: La casa está cubierta. (Since 'casa' is feminine, the description must also be feminine.)
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cubierta
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'cubierta' is used in the following sentence: 'Compramos una cubierta nueva para el coche.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cubierta' the same as 'neumático'?
Yes, they both mean 'tire' or 'tyre.' 'Neumático' is the more common technical term in Spain, while 'cubierta' is very frequent and standard in many parts of Latin America, like Argentina and Uruguay.
How can I tell if 'cubierta' is a noun or an adjective?
If it is used with 'la' or 'una' (La cubierta es...), it's a noun (a thing, like a cover or a tire). If it's used after a form of 'ser' or 'estar' and describes another feminine noun (La mesa está cubierta), it's the adjective meaning 'covered'.