oculta
“oculta” means “hides” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
hides, Hide!
Also: conceals
📝 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.
hidden, secret
Also: concealed
📝 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.
🔄 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *occultare*, which meant 'to hide' or 'to cover up.' This Latin root is also the origin of the English word 'occult,' meaning secret or mystical.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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!'