cubierta
Lemma Details
Translation: cover; covering; deck; roof; tire; tarpaulin; blanket; quilt
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the past participle of the Spanish verb 'cubrir' (to cover), which comes from Latin 'cooperire' (to cover completely). The Latin term is formed from 'co-' (completely) and 'operire' (to cover). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'cover', 'covert', and 'discover'. The feminine form of the past participle became a noun referring to various types of coverings.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El libro tiene una cubierta de cuero.
The book has a leather cover.
Necesito cambiar la cubierta del neumático.
I need to change the tire.
Los marineros estaban en la cubierta del barco.
The sailors were on the ship's deck.
Pusieron una cubierta sobre la piscina para protegerla.
They put a cover over the pool to protect it.
La cubierta del edificio necesita reparación.
The roof of the building needs repair.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cubrir' (to cover) + '-ta' = something that covers
- Sounds like 'covered' in English - both refer to something that covers or protects
- Picture a 'cube' that 'covers' something - a cubierta is a covering
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'cubierta' has multiple common uses in daily life, from referring to car tires (especially in Latin America) to book covers and ship decks. The versatility of this word reflects its importance in describing various protective coverings across different contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'cubierta' (feminine) typically refers to a cover or covering, 'cubierto' (masculine) can mean 'covered' as an adjective, but also refers to cutlery or place setting at a table.
Notes: Both words derive from 'cubrir' (to cover), but have developed distinct meanings in their noun forms.
Mnemonic: 'Cubierta' ends in 'a' like 'tapa' (cover), while 'cubierto' ends in 'o' like 'tenedor' (fork).
Explanation: 'Cubierta' is a physical cover or covering, while 'cobertura' typically refers to coverage in the sense of range, extent, or protection (like insurance coverage or mobile phone coverage).
Confused word:
No hay buena cobertura de móvil en esta zona.
There isn't good mobile coverage in this area.
Notes: Both relate to covering, but in different senses - physical versus conceptual.
Mnemonic: Think of 'cobertura' as abstract coverage (like insurance), while 'cubierta' is a tangible cover you can touch.