Inklingo

How to Say "underground" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “underground” is “metro” — use 'metro' when referring to the public transportation system, like the subway or underground train, in Spanish-speaking countries.

metro🔊A2

Use 'metro' when referring to the public transportation system, like the subway or underground train, in Spanish-speaking countries.

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subterráneoA2

Use 'subterráneo' to describe anything that is physically located below the surface of the ground, such as tunnels or passages.

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enterrado🔊A2

Choose 'enterrado' when describing something that has been put beneath the ground, often implying it was buried intentionally or by natural processes.

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alternativo🔊B1

Use 'alternativo' to describe a subculture, especially in music or art, that is outside the mainstream.

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clandestino🔊B1

Employ 'clandestino' for hidden, secret, or illegal activities, movements, or meetings that operate outside of public knowledge or law.

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sumergido🔊B1

Use 'sumergido' to refer to activities or economies that are unofficial, illegal, or hidden, often implying they are operating beneath the surface of legality.

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English → Spanish

metro

MEH-trohˈme.tɾo

nounA2
Use 'metro' when referring to the public transportation system, like the subway or underground train, in Spanish-speaking countries.
A bright, modern subway train pulling into an underground station, seen from the platform.

Examples

¿Dónde está la parada de metro más cercana?

Where is the nearest subway stop?

Es más rápido ir en metro que en autobús.

It's faster to go by subway than by bus.

Toma la línea azul del metro hasta la estación central.

Take the blue subway line to the central station.

Using Transportation

To say how you travel, use the preposition 'en' (in/by) before the transportation method: 'Voy en metro' (I go by subway).

Preposition Choice

Mistake: “Voy por metro.”

Correction: Voy en metro.

subterráneo

adjectiveA2
Use 'subterráneo' to describe anything that is physically located below the surface of the ground, such as tunnels or passages.

Examples

Hay un pasadizo subterráneo que conecta los dos edificios.

There is an underground passage that connects the two buildings.

enterrado

en-teh-RRAH-dohenteˈrado

adjectiveA2
Choose 'enterrado' when describing something that has been put beneath the ground, often implying it was buried intentionally or by natural processes.
A small wooden treasure chest half-submerged in brown dirt, with a simple silver shovel resting next to it.

Examples

Encontraron el cofre enterrado cerca del río.

They found the buried chest near the river.

La cápsula del tiempo quedó enterrada hace cien años.

The time capsule was buried a hundred years ago.

Después del sismo, muchas casas quedaron enterradas bajo la tierra.

After the earthquake, many houses were buried under the earth.

Gender and Number Match

Since 'enterrado' works like an adjective, its ending must match the thing it describes. Use 'enterrada' for feminine singular nouns (la carta enterrada), 'enterrados' for masculine plural, and 'enterradas' for feminine plural.

Forgetting the Agreement

Mistake: “La estatua fue enterrado.”

Correction: La estatua fue enterrada. (The ending must match the feminine noun 'estatua'.)

alternativo

al-ter-na-TEE-bohal.teɾ.naˈti.βo

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'alternativo' to describe a subculture, especially in music or art, that is outside the mainstream.
A person wearing a unique colorful hat and patchwork clothes playing a handmade wooden instrument.

Examples

Me gusta mucho la música alternativa de los años 90.

I really like alternative music from the 90s.

Lleva un estilo de vida muy alternativo.

He leads a very unconventional lifestyle.

Muchos jóvenes prefieren el cine alternativo.

Many young people prefer indie cinema.

Usage with Genres

When talking about art or music, this word functions exactly like 'indie' or 'alternative' in English and is placed after the noun.

False Friend Warning

Mistake: “Este es mi alternativo.”

Correction: Esta es mi alternativa.

clandestino

klahn-dehs-TEE-nohklandesˈtino

adjectiveB1formal
Employ 'clandestino' for hidden, secret, or illegal activities, movements, or meetings that operate outside of public knowledge or law.
A person wearing a dark hooded cloak peeking from behind a large stone pillar in a moonlit courtyard.

Examples

Ellos tenían una reunión clandestina en el sótano.

They were having a secret meeting in the basement.

El casino era clandestino y no tenía permisos.

The casino was illegal and didn't have permits.

Publicaron un periódico clandestino durante la guerra.

They published an underground newspaper during the war.

Matching Genders

Since this is a describing word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'clandestino' for masculine words (like 'negocio') and 'clandestina' for feminine words (like 'reunión').

Word Order for Emphasis

Usually, this word comes after the noun (the thing it describes). Putting it after emphasizes that the secrecy is the most important part of the description.

Clandestino vs. Secreto

Mistake: “Using 'clandestino' for a surprise party.”

Correction: Use 'secreto'. 'Clandestino' almost always implies something forbidden by law or authority, while 'secreto' is for any hidden information.

sumergido

soo-mer-HEE-dohsumerˈxiðo

adjectiveB1formal
Use 'sumergido' to refer to activities or economies that are unofficial, illegal, or hidden, often implying they are operating beneath the surface of legality.
A colorful fish swimming next to a small treasure chest at the bottom of the ocean.

Examples

El barco ha estado sumergido durante cien años.

The ship has been submerged for a hundred years.

Juan está sumergido en la lectura de su nueva novela.

Juan is immersed in reading his new novel.

Muchos países luchan contra la economía sumergida.

Many countries fight against the underground economy.

Matching the Noun

Because this word describes a thing, it must match: use 'sumergido' for a boy/masculine thing, 'sumergida' for a girl/feminine thing, and add an 's' for plurals.

The 'State' Word

We usually use this with the verb 'estar' (to be) because being underwater or focused is usually a temporary state or result of an action.

Using the wrong 'to be'

Mistake: “El barco es sumergido.”

Correction: El barco está sumergido. We use 'está' because we are describing the current condition of the boat, not its permanent identity.

Literal vs. Figurative 'Underground'

Learners often confuse 'subterráneo' (physically below ground) with 'clandestino' or 'sumergido' (hidden or illegal activities). Remember that 'subterráneo' is about physical location, while the others refer to secrecy or illegality.

Related Translations

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