Inklingo

How to Say "climb" in Spanish

English → Spanish

subida

soo-BEE-dahsuˈβiða

nounA2general
Use 'subida' to describe the physical exertion or the upward path of a climb, often implying difficulty.
A hiker walking up a steep, green mountain path.

Examples

La subida a la montaña fue muy agotadora.

The climb up the mountain was very exhausting.

Hay una subida fuerte justo después del puente.

There is a steep slope right after the bridge.

Prefiero bajar que hacer toda esa subida a pie.

I prefer going down than doing that whole climb on foot.

Nouns from Verbs

This word is a noun made from the verb 'subir' (to go up). Adding '-ida' to a verb is a common way to name the action itself.

Choosing the right word for 'Up'

Mistake: “Voy a la subida.”

Correction: Voy hacia arriba.

ascenso

ahs-SEN-soaˈsenso

nounB2general
Use 'ascenso' to refer to the act or process of climbing, especially a significant or formal ascent, like reaching a summit or a promotion.
A hiker is climbing a steep mountain path toward the summit under a blue sky, illustrating an ascent.

Examples

El ascenso a la montaña más alta fue un desafío agotador.

The ascent of the highest mountain was an exhausting challenge.

El equipo de fútbol celebró su ascenso a la primera división.

The soccer team celebrated their promotion (move up) to the first division.

La aeronave inició el ascenso después del despegue.

The aircraft began its ascent after takeoff.

suban

SOO-bahn'su.βan

verbA2formal
Use 'suban' as a formal command (ustedes form) instructing people to go up or climb to a higher location.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing three children enthusiastically climbing a winding path up a small green hill.

Examples

¡Suban al tercer piso para la reunión!

Go up to the third floor for the meeting!

Señores, suban sus maletas al tren.

Gentlemen, bring your suitcases onto the train.

Suban el volumen, por favor, no oigo nada.

Turn up the volume, please, I can't hear anything.

Formal Plural Command

"Suban" is the command form used when addressing a group of people formally (like saying 'You all, go up'). It comes from the 'ustedes' form of the imperative mood.

Negative Commands

To tell a group NOT to go up, you just add 'no' in front: '¡No suban aquí!' (Don't go up here!).

Confusing Formal and Informal

Mistake: “Using 'suban' when speaking informally to friends in Spain (where 'vosotros' is used).”

Correction: For informal plural commands in Spain, use 'subid'. In Latin America, 'suban' is used for both formal and informal plural commands.

Noun vs. Command

Learners often confuse 'subida' and 'ascenso' with the verb command 'suban'. Remember that 'subida' and 'ascenso' are nouns referring to the climb itself, while 'suban' is a verb used to tell people to climb.

Related Translations

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