delatar
“delatar” means “to report” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to report, to betray
Also: to snitch, to inform on
📝 In Action
El testigo delató al ladrón ante la policía.
B1The witness reported the thief to the police.
No me delates con mis padres por llegar tarde.
A2Don't tell on me to my parents for arriving late.
Al final, uno de los cómplices los delató a todos.
B2In the end, one of the accomplices betrayed them all.
to give away, to reveal
Also: to betray
📝 In Action
Tu sonrisa te delata; sé que estás feliz.
B1Your smile gives you away; I know you are happy.
El sudor en su frente delataba sus nervios.
B2The sweat on his forehead revealed his nerves.
Se delató a sí mismo al decir esa mentira.
B2He gave himself away by telling that lie.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: delatar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'His eyes gave him away'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'delatare', which was a form of 'deferre', meaning 'to bring down' or 'to carry information to an authority'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'delatar' always negative?
Usually, yes. It implies revealing something that someone wanted to keep hidden, often involving a crime, a lie, or a secret.
What is the difference between 'delatar' and 'traicionar'?
'Traicionar' is 'to betray' in a broad emotional sense. 'Delatar' specifically means providing information that reveals someone or something.
Can I use 'delatar' for a positive surprise?
Not really. Use 'revelar' for general facts or surprises. 'Delatar' carries a heavy sense of exposing a hidden truth that might have consequences.