ocultar
/oh-kool-TAHR/
to hide
Ocultar means 'to hide' a physical object.
ocultar(verb)
to hide
?a physical object or person
to conceal
?general use
,to stash
?informal, often for money or items
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Reflexive Form
When the subject is hiding itself (like 'I hid myself'), you must use the reflexive form: 'ocultarse'. For example, 'Me oculté en el armario' (I hid in the closet).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Hiding Yourself
Mistake: "Yo oculté en el armario."
Correction: Yo me oculté en el armario. (The action must reflect back onto the person doing the hiding.)
Ocultar can also mean 'to conceal' information or feelings.
ocultar(verb)
to conceal
?information, truth, or feelings
to mask
?emotions
,to keep secret
?information
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Secret
When talking about truth or feelings, 'ocultar' is stronger than 'esconder'. It implies intentional deception or keeping a secret, not just misplaced items.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ocultar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the reflexive form of 'ocultar'?
📚 More Resources
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.