tumbas
“tumbas” means “graves” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
graves
Also: tombs
📝 In Action
Las tumbas de los faraones están en Egipto.
A2The tombs of the pharaohs are in Egypt.
Pusieron flores frescas en las tumbas.
B1They put fresh flowers on the graves.
you knock down
Also: you lie down
📝 In Action
Si no tienes cuidado, tumbas el jarrón.
B1If you aren't careful, you'll knock the vase over.
Siempre te tumbas en el sofá después de comer.
B1You always lie down on the sofa after eating.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tumbas
Question 1 of 2
If you are telling a friend that they are knocking over a chair, which form would you use?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Greek 'tymbos,' which referred to a mound of earth or a heap over a grave. It later passed through Latin before becoming the Spanish word we use today.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'tumbas' always mean something related to death?
Not at all! While as a noun it means 'graves,' as a verb it simply means you are knocking something down or lying down to rest.
How do I say 'you lie down'?
You must say 'te tumbas.' The 'te' shows that you are doing the action to yourself.