encubierto
/en-koo-byer-toh/
undercover
A person working undercover to blend into their surroundings.
encubierto(adjective)
undercover
?referring to secret police or investigative work
secret
?referring to hidden operations or motives
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching Gender and Number
Since this word describes a person or thing, it must match. Use 'encubierto' for a man or masculine object, and 'encubierta' for a woman or feminine object.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'escondido' vs 'encubierto'
Mistake: "Using 'escondido' to describe a spy."
Correction: Use 'encubierto' for people with secret identities. 'Escondido' just means physically hiding behind a curtain or under a bed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrases
You will almost always see this word paired with 'agente' (agent) or 'operación' (operation).
An object that is hidden and physically concealed.
encubierto(adjective)
hidden
?physically concealed or disguised
concealed
?something kept out of sight
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Action vs. Description
This word is also the 'past participle' form of the verb 'encubrir' (to cover up). When used with 'ha' or 'había', it means 'has/had covered up'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Marketing Context
In Spain and Latin America, 'publicidad encubierta' is a common term for when a movie or show sneaky-placements a product without telling you it's an ad.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: encubierto
Question 1 of 2
How would you say 'undercover agents' (plural) in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
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.