encubierto
“encubierto” means “undercover” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
undercover
Also: secret
📝 In Action
El detective trabajó de forma encubierta durante seis meses.
B1The detective worked undercover for six months.
Llevaron a cabo una operación encubierta para atrapar a los ladrones.
B2They carried out an undercover operation to catch the thieves.
hidden
Also: concealed
📝 In Action
Había una cámara encubierta en la esquina de la habitación.
B1There was a hidden camera in the corner of the room.
Sus verdaderas intenciones permanecieron encubiertas.
C1His true intentions remained hidden.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encubierto
Question 1 of 2
How would you say 'undercover agents' (plural) in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'encubrir', which comes from the prefix 'en-' (in/on) and 'cubrir' (to cover). This traces back to the Latin 'cooperire', meaning to cover completely.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encubierto' the same as 'escondido'?
Not exactly. 'Escondido' is for things that are physically tucked away where they can't be seen. 'Encubierto' often implies a 'cover' or a disguise, like a spy pretending to be someone else or a camera disguised as a clock.
Can I use 'encubierto' to describe a person?
Yes, but usually in a professional context like 'un policía encubierto' (an undercover cop). If someone is just shy or private, you wouldn't use this word.