Spanish Phrase
Están cubiertos de polvo.
Meaning
This phrase describes a physical state where objects or people are layered with dust. It uses the verb 'estar' because it refers to a temporary condition or the result of an action rather than a permanent characteristic.
When to use
Use this when describing old furniture, books in an attic, or anything that has been left untouched for a long time. It is common in contexts of cleaning or exploring abandoned places.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estáncubiertosdepolvo
Están (Estar)
The third-person plural of 'estar' is used here to describe a state or condition resulting from time passing.
Cubiertos
This is the past participle of 'cubrir' (to cover). It functions as an adjective and must agree in plural masculine form with the subject.
Preposition 'de'
In Spanish, the preposition 'de' is used after 'cubierto' to indicate the material or substance that provides the covering.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué hacemos con los libros del abuelo?
What do we do with grandpa's books?
Están cubiertos de polvo, primero debemos limpiarlos.
They are covered in dust, we should clean them first.
✕Common Mistakes
Son cubiertos de polvo.
Avoid using 'ser' for states or conditions; 'estar' is the correct verb for being covered in something.
Están cubiertos por polvo.
While 'por' can be used in passive voice for an agent, 'de' is the standard preposition used with 'cubierto' to describe the substance covering it.
↔Alternatives
Están polvorientos.
They are dusty.
Tienen mucho polvo.
They have a lot of dust.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, especially in arid or windy regions, dust is a common daily challenge. You might hear people complain about 'la polvareda' (the dust cloud) when talking about unpaved roads or dry seasons.