encubrir
“encubrir” means “to hide” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to hide, to conceal
Also: to mask, to cloak
📝 In Action
Ella intentó encubrir su tristeza con una gran sonrisa.
B1She tried to hide her sadness with a big smile.
La densa niebla encubría el valle por completo.
B2The thick fog concealed the valley completely.
Es difícil encubrir la falta de experiencia en este trabajo.
C1It's hard to mask the lack of experience in this job.
to cover up, to harbor
Also: to be an accessory to
📝 In Action
Fue acusado de encubrir el asesinato.
B2He was accused of covering up the murder.
La ley castiga a quienes intentan encubrir a un fugitivo.
C1The law punishes those who try to harbor a fugitive.
No puedes encubrir sus delitos por más tiempo.
C1You cannot cover up their crimes any longer.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encubrir
Question 1 of 3
What is the correct 'done' form (past participle) of encubrir?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'en-' (in/into) and the verb 'cubrir' (to cover). 'Cubrir' comes from the Latin word 'cooperire,' which means to cover completely.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'esconder' and 'encubrir'?
'Esconder' is usually for physical objects (like a child hiding behind a tree). 'Encubrir' is more formal and often refers to hiding truths, crimes, or complex emotions.
Is 'encubrir' an irregular verb?
It is regular in almost all its endings, but it has an irregular past participle: 'encubierto'.
What does 'agente encubierto' mean?
It means 'undercover agent.' In this case, 'encubierto' is an adjective derived from the verb.