Inklingo

How to Say "to upload" in Spanish

English → Spanish

subir

soo-BEER/suˈβiɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'subir' when you are transferring files, photos, documents, or other data from your device to a remote location like the internet or a cloud service.
Stylized icons representing photos and documents floating directly upwards from a computer screen toward a large cloud.

Examples

Voy a subir las fotos de las vacaciones a la nube.

I'm going to upload the vacation photos to the cloud.

Cuando subas el video, dime para verlo.

When you upload the video, let me know so I can watch it.

Digital Ascent

Think of 'subir' in a digital context as sending information 'up' to the cloud or a server. 'Descargar' (download) is the opposite action.

cargar

/kar-GAR//kaɾˈɣaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'cargar' when referring to the process of transferring data to a server, or when a webpage or application is loading content.
A storybook illustration showing an arrow moving small colorful squares, representing data, from a computer screen up towards a fluffy white cloud icon, representing uploading data.

Examples

La página web tardó mucho en cargar.

The website took a long time to load.

Voy a cargar mis fotos a la nube.

I am going to upload my photos to the cloud.

El programa está cargando los archivos necesarios.

The program is loading the necessary files.

The Opposite Action

The opposite of 'cargar' (to upload/load onto something) is 'descargar' (to download/unload from something). This is true for both physical objects and digital files.

meter

/meh-TEHR//meˈteɾ/

verbB2informal/regional
Use 'meter' for transferring data only if you are in a region where this is common slang, as its primary meaning relates to putting something inside something else or scoring a goal.
A bright soccer ball flying through the air and just entering the white netting of a soccer goal.

Examples

El delantero logró meter un gol en el último minuto.

The striker managed to score a goal in the last minute.

Vamos a meter todo nuestro esfuerzo en este proyecto.

We are going to put all our effort into this project.

Metieron varios millones de dólares en la nueva empresa.

They invested several million dollars in the new company.

Figurative Use

This meaning is an extension of the basic 'put inside' idea—you are putting the goal into the net, or putting money/effort into a venture.

Overusing 'Meter'

Mistake: “Hicimos un gol.”

Correction: Metimos un gol. ('Hacer un gol' is understandable, but 'meter un gol' is the most natural and common way to express scoring in football/soccer in many Spanish-speaking countries.)

Confusing 'subir' and 'cargar'

Learners often mix up 'subir' and 'cargar' for digital transfers. While both can work, 'subir' is more specific to sending data *up* to the internet or cloud, whereas 'cargar' can also mean 'to load' content or data onto a system.

Related Translations

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