oculta
/oh-COOL-tah/
hides
The fox actively hides (oculta) its treasure under a leaf.
oculta(Verb)
hides
?He/she/it hides something
,Hide!
?Familiar command (tú form)
conceals
?To keep something secret
📝 In Action
Ella oculta su tristeza detrás de una sonrisa.
A2She hides her sadness behind a smile.
¡Oculta el regalo antes de que entre tu hermano!
A2Hide the gift before your brother comes in!
El árbol oculta la casa desde la carretera.
B1The tree conceals the house from the road.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the Subject
Since 'oculta' is the same for 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (formal you), Spanish speakers often include the person's name or pronoun for clarity.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Verb and Adjective
Mistake: "Using 'oculta' when describing a masculine noun (e.g., *el secreto oculta*)."
Correction: Use the masculine form 'oculto' for masculine nouns (e.g., *el secreto está oculto*). 'Oculta' is only the verb form or the feminine adjective.
⭐ Usage Tips
Easy Command
For a quick, friendly command to 'Hide!', just say '¡Oculta!' (the familiar tú form), remembering that the accent falls on the second syllable: o-CUL-ta.
The toy doll is hidden (oculta) behind the rock.
oculta(Adjective)
hidden
?Feminine singular form
,secret
?Describing a mystery or unknown thing
concealed
?Something intentionally kept out of sight
📝 In Action
La cueva oculta era difícil de encontrar.
A2The hidden cave was difficult to find.
Ella guarda una intención oculta en sus palabras.
B1She keeps a hidden intention in her words.
La verdad oculta salió a la luz.
B2The secret truth came to light.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching Gender
'Oculta' is the feminine form. You must use it when describing feminine nouns (like la verdad or la puerta). For masculine nouns, you must use 'oculto'.
Use with 'Estar'
Since 'oculta' describes a temporary state (it was hidden, but might be found), it often pairs with the verb estar (to be) instead of ser.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
Beyond physical hiding, 'oculta' is great for describing emotions, intentions, or meanings that are not obvious on the surface.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oculta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'oculta' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'oculta' the same as 'escondida'?
Yes, they are very similar and often interchangeable when talking about physical objects being out of sight. 'Oculta' can sometimes sound a little more formal or be used more often for abstract things like intentions or truths.
If I am telling a friend to hide something, do I say 'oculta' or 'ocultas'?
You should use 'oculta'. When giving a friendly command (the familiar imperative 'tú'), the verb form for -AR verbs is the same as the 'él/ella' present tense form. So, '¡Oculta eso!' means 'Hide that!'