How to Say "uncovered" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “uncovered” is “descubierto” — use 'descubierto' when referring to something that is not covered or protected, often implying exposure to the elements or a lack of concealment.
descubierto
des-koo-BYER-tohdeskuˈβjeɾto
Examples
Dejó la cabeza descubierta bajo el sol fuerte y se quemó.
He left his head uncovered under the strong sun and got burned.
Las ruinas históricas quedaron descubiertas tras la excavación.
The historical ruins were left exposed after the excavation.
Hemos descubierto un nuevo restaurante en el centro.
We have discovered a new restaurant downtown.
El misterio fue descubierto por la policía.
The mystery was discovered by the police.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'descubierto' must change its ending (-o, -a, -os, -as) to match the person or thing it describes in both gender and number.
The Irregular Participle
'Descubierto' is an irregular past participle because it does not follow the standard '-ido' ending. You simply must memorize this form for the verb 'descubrir'.
Use with 'Haber'
When used with the helping verb 'haber' (like in 'he descubierto'), the participle never changes its ending; it always stays 'descubierto', regardless of the gender or number of the subject or object.
Changing the Ending with 'Haber'
Mistake: “Hemos descubierta la verdad.”
Correction: Hemos descubierto la verdad. (The participle only changes when used as a standard adjective or with 'ser/estar' in the passive/state.)
abiertas
ah-byer-tasaˈβjeɾtas
Examples
Las tiendas están abiertas hasta las nueve.
The stores are open until nine.
Dejamos las ventanas abiertas para que entre el aire fresco.
We left the windows open so the fresh air could come in.
Las heridas de la paciente estaban abiertas y necesitaban puntos.
The patient's wounds were open and needed stitches.
Adjective Agreement
Since 'abiertas' ends in '-as', it must describe feminine things that are plural (more than one), like 'las ventanas' (the windows) or 'las tiendas' (the stores).
Ser vs. Estar
When describing a temporary state, use 'estar' (Las puertas están abiertas = The doors are currently open). When describing a permanent characteristic, use 'ser' (Las personas son abiertas = The people are open-minded).
Forgetting the Plural
Mistake: “La puerta está abierta.”
Correction: La puerta está abierta. (If you are talking about one feminine door, you must use the singular form 'abierta').
descubrió
Examples
El arqueólogo descubrió una vasija muy antigua en las ruinas.
The archaeologist discovered a very old vase in the ruins.
desnuda
des-NOO-dahdesˈnuða
Examples
La niña corrió desnuda por la playa.
The girl ran naked along the beach.
Ante la evidencia desnuda, no pudo negar nada.
Faced with the bare evidence, she couldn't deny anything.
La pared quedó desnuda después de quitar el cuadro.
The wall was bare after we took down the painting.
Agreement is Key
Since 'desnuda' is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes in both gender (feminine) and number (singular). Use 'desnudo' for masculine singular things, 'desnudas' for feminine plural, and 'desnudos' for masculine plural.
Adjective vs. Verb for 'Uncovered'
Related Translations
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