engaño
en-GAH-nyo
/eŋˈɡa.ɲo/
📝 In Action
Todo el plan fue un engaño para robar la información.
B1The entire plan was a trick to steal the information.
Ella descubrió el engaño y rompió la relación.
B2She discovered the deception and broke off the relationship.
Lamentablemente, caímos en su engaño.
B1Unfortunately, we fell for his trick.
💡 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?
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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.