cubrir
/koo-BREER/
to cover
Usar una manta para cubrir completamente una caja.
cubrir(verb)
to cover
?physically placing something on top
to hide
?conceal from view
,to spread over
?applying a layer
📝 In Action
Ella siempre cubre el sofá con una manta para protegerlo.
A1She always covers the sofa with a blanket to protect it.
La nieve cubrió toda la montaña en una noche.
A2The snow covered the whole mountain in one night.
Para la pintura, debes cubrir las ventanas con papel.
B1For painting, you must cover the windows with paper.
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular Past Participle
Even though 'cubrir' is mostly regular, its past participle (the form used with 'haber' or as an adjective) is irregular: 'cubierto', not 'cubrido'. Always remember this exception!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'cubrir' for closing things
Mistake: "Voy a cubrir la botella."
Correction: Voy a tapar la botella. ('Tapar' is better when referring to putting a lid or stopper on something.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Estar cubierto'
When you want to say something is covered (the result of the action), use the verb 'estar' plus the past participle: 'La mesa está cubierta' (The table is covered).
El periodista tiene que cubrir la noticia.
cubrir(verb)
to cover
?reporting on an event
to report on
?journalism
,to document
?recording information
📝 In Action
El equipo de noticias fue a cubrir las elecciones locales.
B1The news team went to cover the local elections.
Este periódico no cubrió el escándalo político.
B2This newspaper did not cover the political scandal.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Event
In this context, 'cubrir' means providing comprehensive details about an event, similar to how a blanket covers everything underneath.
La compañía de seguros va a cubrir los gastos médicos.
cubrir(verb)
to cover
?to pay for expenses
,to fill
?to fill a vacancy or shift
to make up for
?compensate a deficit
,to meet
?to fulfill a requirement
📝 In Action
La beca cubre todos los gastos de matrícula.
B2The scholarship covers all tuition expenses.
Necesitamos un empleado nuevo para cubrir el puesto de gerente.
B2We need a new employee to fill the manager position.
Ella tuvo que cubrir el turno de su compañero enfermo.
C1She had to cover her sick colleague's shift.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When discussing money or jobs, 'cubrir' means providing what is necessary to complete the requirement or task.
Es importante cubrirse cuando llueve.
cubrir(verb)
to cover oneself
?to protect or wrap up
to wrap up
?put on warm clothes
,to take shelter
?protecting oneself from rain/sun
📝 In Action
Cúbrete la boca al toser, por favor.
A2Cover your mouth when coughing, please.
Si va a llover, cúbranse con los paraguas.
B1If it is going to rain, cover yourselves with umbrellas.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use
When you use 'cubrirse,' the action is done by the subject to the subject. The little word 'se' (or me, te, nos, os) tells you this.
⭐ Usage Tips
Imperative Commands
When giving a command like 'Cover yourself!' to one person (tú), the command form is 'cubre' and you attach the pronoun: '¡Cúbrete!'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cubrir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cubrir' in its financial sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cubrir' and 'tapar'?
'Cubrir' is generally used for spreading a large item over something (like a blanket over a bed or snow over a mountain). 'Tapar' usually means to close something with a lid, cork, or stopper (like a bottle or a jar).
How do I use 'cubierto' as an adjective?
'Cubierto' acts like any adjective, matching the noun's gender and number. For example: 'La mesa está cubierta' (The table is covered, feminine singular) or 'Los gastos están cubiertos' (The expenses are covered, masculine plural).