esconderse
“esconderse” means “to hide (oneself)” in Spanish (physically concealing oneself).
to hide (oneself), to go into hiding
Also: to conceal oneself
📝 In Action
Mi perro siempre se esconde cuando escucha truenos.
A1My dog always hides when he hears thunder.
Nos escondimos detrás de la cortina para darles una sorpresa.
A2We hid behind the curtain to give them a surprise.
¿Dónde se escondieron las llaves? No las encuentro.
B1Where did the keys hide themselves? I can't find them.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: esconderse
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'esconderse'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The core verb 'esconder' comes from the Latin verb *abscondere*, which means 'to put away' or 'to hide away completely.' The 'se' just adds the idea that the hiding is directed back at the person doing the action.
First recorded: c. 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'esconder' and 'esconderse'?
'Esconder' (without 'se') means to hide *something or someone else*. 'Esconderse' (with 'se') means to hide *yourself*. The addition of 'se' makes the person performing the action also the one receiving the action.