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subir means to go up / to upload — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 12, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

subir

verb • /[soo-BEER]/

to go up / to upload

Example:

Vamos a subir la montaña mañana.

We’re going to climb the mountain tomorrow.

🧠 What does subir mean?

The verb 'subir' primarily means 'to go up' or 'to move to a higher position'. It is a highly versatile verb used in various contexts. Physically, it describes the action of ascending or climbing, such as 'subir una montaña' (to climb a mountain) or 'subir las escaleras' (to go up the stairs). It is also used for getting into or onto a vehicle, like 'subir al tren' (to get on the train). Metaphorically, it can refer to an increase in quantity, level, or intensity, as in 'los precios suben' (prices are rising). In the digital age, 'subir' has adopted the essential meaning of 'to upload', referring to the transfer of data from a local device to a remote system, such as 'subir una foto' (to upload a photo).

📚 Extra examples

  • Tuvimos que subir cinco pisos por la escalera porque el ascensor estaba roto.
    We had to go up five floors by the stairs because the elevator was broken.
  • ¿Ya subiste las fotos de las vacaciones a la nube?
    Did you already upload the vacation photos to the cloud?
  • El gato subió al tejado y no puede bajar.
    The cat climbed onto the roof and can't get down.
  • Sube al autobús en la próxima parada.
    Get on the bus at the next stop.
  • La temperatura ha subido diez grados desde esta mañana.
    The temperature has risen ten degrees since this morning.
  • Por favor, ayúdame a subir esta maleta al compartimento.
    Please, help me lift this suitcase into the compartment.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'subir' seamlessly transitioned from the physical world to the digital one. Just as one 'goes up' stairs (subir las escaleras), one also 'sends up' a file to the internet (subir un archivo). Its direct opposite, 'bajar', works the same way for 'going down' and 'downloading'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "subir"

Synonyms: ascender, escalar, elevar, trepar
Opposites: bajar, descender

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to go up / to upload' in Spanish?
The primary Spanish verb for 'to go up' or 'to upload' is 'subir'. For physical movement, it can also mean 'to climb' or 'to get on'. For digital actions, it specifically means 'to upload'.
How do you pronounce 'subir' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is /suˈβiɾ/. It's a two-syllable word, 'su-bir', with the stress on the second syllable. The 'b' has a soft sound, similar to a 'v' in English but with the lips closer together.
How do you use 'subir' in a sentence?
Here is an example sentence using 'subir': 'Voy a subir los documentos al servidor.' This translates to 'I am going to upload the documents to the server.'
What is the English translation of 'subir'?
The English translation of 'subir' is 'to go up', 'to climb', 'to get on', 'to increase', or 'to upload', depending on the context.
Does 'subir' change for gender or number?
No, as a verb, 'subir' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated according to the subject (person and number) and the tense. For example: 'yo subo' (I go up), 'ellos suben' (they go up).
Is 'subir' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'subir' is an extremely common and essential verb used daily in all Spanish-speaking regions for a wide range of situations, from climbing stairs to uploading files online.
Does 'subir' have slang or double meanings?
In some contexts, the phrase 'subirse a la cabeza' means 'to go to one's head' or 'to become conceited'. For instance, 'El éxito se le subió a la cabeza' means 'Success went to his head'. Additionally, 'subir de tono' means for something, like an argument, to become more intense or heated.
Is 'subir' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meanings of 'subir' are consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. In some parts of Latin America, 'trepar' might be a more common synonym for climbing trees or walls, but 'subir' remains the general, universally understood term for all forms of upward movement.
How do you conjugate 'subir' in Spanish?
'Subir' is a regular -ir verb. The present tense conjugations are: yo subo, tú subes, él/ella/usted sube, nosotros/nosotras subimos, vosotros/vosotras subís, ellos/ellas/ustedes suben. The simple past (preterite) is: yo subí, tú subiste, él subió, nosotros subimos, vosotros subisteis, ellos subieron.

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