ocultar
“ocultar” means “to hide” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to hide
Also: to conceal, to stash
📝 In Action
Ella ocultó las llaves debajo del felpudo.
A2She hid the keys under the doormat.
El sol se ocultó tras las montañas al anochecer.
B1The sun hid (set) behind the mountains at dusk.
to conceal
Also: to mask, to keep secret
📝 In Action
Intentó ocultar su tristeza con una sonrisa falsa.
B1He tried to conceal his sadness with a fake smile.
El político ocultó los detalles de la reunión a la prensa.
B2The politician concealed the details of the meeting from the press.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ocultar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the reflexive form of 'ocultar'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *occultāre*, which was a frequentative form of *occulere*, meaning 'to cover up' or 'to hide away'. It has always maintained the core meaning of putting something out of sight.
First recorded: Medieval Latin texts
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'ocultar' y 'esconder'?
Both mean 'to hide'. 'Esconder' is generally more common and used for simple actions (like hiding toys). 'Ocultar' often carries a more formal or serious tone, implying intentional secrecy or covering up something important (like the truth or feelings).
Is 'ocultar' a regular verb?
Yes! 'Ocultar' is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows all the standard patterns, which makes conjugating it easy.