esconder
/ess-kohn-DEHR/
to hide
Esconder (to hide) an object: The shovel is hidden under the towels.
esconder(Verb)
to hide
?an object or item
,to conceal
?a secret or truth
to stash
?informal hiding
📝 In Action
Escondí el regalo para que nadie lo viera antes de la fiesta.
A1I hid the present so that no one would see it before the party.
Ella siempre esconde sus sentimientos detrás de una sonrisa.
B1She always conceals her feelings behind a smile.
¿Dónde escondiste las llaves del coche?
A2Where did you hide the car keys?
💡 Grammar Points
Requires an Object
When used transitively, 'esconder' must be followed by what is being hidden (the direct object). You can't just say 'Yo escondo' without saying what.
Esconder (to hide oneself): The child is hiding behind the bush.
esconder(Verb)
to hide oneself
?to go into hiding
to be hidden
?when describing a location or object that is naturally concealed
📝 In Action
El gato se escondió debajo de la cama cuando oyó el ruido.
A2The cat hid (itself) under the bed when it heard the noise.
¡Vamos a jugar! Yo cuento y ustedes se esconden.
A1Let's play! I'll count and you all hide.
El sol se esconde temprano en invierno.
B1The sun hides (sets) early in winter.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
When you use 'esconderse,' the action returns to the subject. You must use a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) before the conjugated verb form. This is how you say 'I hide myself.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Up Uses
Mistake: "Using 'Yo escondo' when you mean 'I am hiding.'"
Correction: Use 'Yo *me* escondo' if you are the one hiding. Reserve 'Yo escondo' for when you are hiding something else, like a key.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Game
The famous game 'hide-and-seek' is called 'el escondite' or 'esconderse y buscar' in Spanish, showing how essential this reflexive form is.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: esconder
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the reflexive form of 'esconder'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'esconder' versus 'ocultar'?
'Esconder' is the general, everyday word for hiding physical objects or people, and is very common. 'Ocultar' is slightly more formal and often used for concealing abstract things like secrets, motives, or evidence.
What preposition usually follows 'esconderse'?
The most common prepositions are 'detrás de' (behind), 'debajo de' (under), or 'en' (in/at). For example: 'Se escondió *detrás de* la cortina.'