esconderse
es-kon-DER-seh
Quick Reference
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Self-Action' Verb
This is a reflexive verb, meaning the action comes back to the person doing it. The pronoun (me, te, se, etc.) tells you who is hiding themselves.
Reflexive Pronoun Placement
The pronoun usually goes before the conjugated verb ('Se esconde'). With infinitives or gerunds, it attaches to the end ('esconderse', 'escondiéndose').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo escondo en el armario."
Correction: Yo me escondo en el armario. (If you say 'Yo escondo,' you are hiding something else, not yourself.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Hiding Objects vs. Hiding Yourself
Use 'esconder' (without 'se') when you hide an object ('Escondí el regalo'). Use 'esconderse' when you hide yourself ('Me escondí en el armario').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: esconderse
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'esconderse'?
📚 More Resources
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.