Inklingo
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descubierto

/des-koo-BYER-toh/

uncovered

A simple wooden storage box standing on a surface. The lid is completely removed and placed beside the box, showing the empty interior.

The box is completely 'uncovered'.

descubierto(Adjective)

mA2

uncovered

?

not having a cover

,

exposed

?

left open to the elements or view

Also:

bare

?

without clothing or protection

📝 In Action

Dejó la cabeza descubierta bajo el sol fuerte y se quemó.

A2

He left his head uncovered under the strong sun and got burned.

Las ruinas históricas quedaron descubiertas tras la excavación.

B1

The historical ruins were left exposed after the excavation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • expuesto (exposed)
  • desnudo (naked, bare)

Antonyms

  • cubierto (covered)
  • tapado (hidden)

Common Collocations

  • a cielo descubierto – out in the open air (literally 'under an uncovered sky')

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'descubierto' must change its ending (-o, -a, -os, -as) to match the person or thing it describes in both gender and number.

⭐ Usage Tips

Literal vs. Figurative

While often literal (a table, a head), it can also describe secrets or truths that have been revealed: 'Su secreto está descubierto' (His secret is revealed).

A simple brown leather wallet lying open and empty on a table, with a small, stylized grey rain cloud floating directly above it, symbolizing negative funds or debt.

This empty wallet illustrates an 'overdraft' or negative balance.

descubierto(Noun)

mB2

overdraft

?

in a bank account

Also:

deficit

?

a negative balance

📝 In Action

El banco me avisó que tengo un descubierto de 50 euros.

B2

The bank notified me that I have an overdraft of 50 euros.

Tener un descubierto puede generar altos intereses.

C1

Having an overdraft can generate high interest.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • déficit (deficit)

Antonyms

  • saldo (balance, credit)

Common Collocations

  • estar en descubierto – to be overdrawn
  • cubrir el descubierto – to cover the overdraft

💡 Grammar Points

Using the Term

This noun is almost always used in banking contexts to mean that you have spent more money than you have in your account.

A person's stylized hand pulling back a large, heavy green curtain to reveal a bright, glowing golden star hidden behind it.

The star has been 'discovered' after being hidden.

descubierto(Past Participle)

A1

discovered

?

used in perfect tenses (e.g., 'has discovered')

Also:

uncovered

?

used in passive voice

📝 In Action

Hemos descubierto un nuevo restaurante en el centro.

A1

We have discovered a new restaurant downtown.

El misterio fue descubierto por la policía.

B1

The mystery was discovered by the police.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • haber descubierto – to have discovered

💡 Grammar Points

The Irregular Participle

'Descubierto' is an irregular past participle because it does not follow the standard '-ido' ending. You simply must memorize this form for the verb 'descubrir'.

Use with 'Haber'

When used with the helping verb 'haber' (like in 'he descubierto'), the participle never changes its ending; it always stays 'descubierto', regardless of the gender or number of the subject or object.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Changing the Ending with 'Haber'

Mistake: "Hemos descubierta la verdad."

Correction: Hemos descubierto la verdad. (The participle only changes when used as a standard adjective or with 'ser/estar' in the passive/state.)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: descubierto

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'descubierto' in its noun form?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

descubrir(to discover, to uncover) - verb
descubrimiento(discovery) - noun
descubridora(discoverer (female)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'descubierto' irregular?

'Descubierto' is irregular because it does not follow the standard pattern of adding '-ido' to the verb stem (which would be 'descubrido'). It is one of a small group of irregular past participles (like 'roto', 'vuelto', 'escrito') that you need to learn by heart.

What is the difference between 'descubierto' (adjective) and 'descubrimiento' (noun)?

'Descubierto' (adjective) means 'uncovered' or 'exposed.' 'Descubrimiento' (noun) means 'a discovery' or 'the act of finding something' (e.g., the discovery of penicillin).