A stylized hand holding a plain white mask and carefully painting a large, exaggerated, happy smile onto it, symbolizing the creation of a false appearance or deception.

engaño

en-GAH-nyo

nounmB1

deception?the act of misleading,trick?a specific action meant to mislead

Also:hoax?a large-scale deception,fraud?deception for financial gain

📝 In Action

Todo el plan fue un engaño para robar la información.

The entire plan was a trick to steal the information.

Ella descubrió el engaño y rompió la relación.

She discovered the deception and broke off the relationship.

Lamentablemente, caímos en su engaño.

Unfortunately, we fell for his trick.

Word Connections

Synonyms

fraude (fraud)
mentira (lie)
timo (swindle)

Antonyms

sinceridad (sincerity)
verdad (truth)

Common Collocations

caer en el engaño – to fall for the trick
ser víctima de un engaño – to be a victim of deception

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Rule

As a masculine noun, 'engaño' always uses the masculine articles: 'el engaño' (the deception) or 'un engaño' (a deception).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing the Noun and Verb

Mistake: "Using 'engaño' where the verb 'engañar' (to deceive) is needed."

Correction: Remember 'engaño' is the act or the result, and 'engañar' is the action itself. Example: 'Él me engañó' (He tricked me).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Simple Lies

Use 'engaño' for planned, significant tricks or deceptions. For simple, small false statements, the word 'mentira' (lie) is more common.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: engaño

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish word refers to the *action* of tricking someone?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

engañar(to deceive / to trick) - verb

engañador(deceiver / tricky (adjective)) - noun / adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'engaño' y 'error'?

An 'engaño' (deception) is intentional; someone actively tried to trick you. An 'error' (mistake) is unintentional; it's just a simple slip-up or misunderstanding with no malicious intent.