oculto
/oh-KUL-toh/
hidden
Something that is physically out of sight, like this ball hidden by a bush, is oculto.
📝 In Action
El tesoro permaneció oculto durante siglos.
B1The treasure remained hidden for centuries.
Encontraron una habitación oculta detrás de la estantería.
A2They found a hidden room behind the bookcase.
Necesitas buscar un interruptor oculto para abrir la puerta.
B1You need to look for a concealed switch to open the door.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'oculto' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'el lugar oculto' (masculine singular), 'la cámara oculta' (feminine singular), 'los mensajes ocultos' (masculine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'Ser' or 'Estar'
Mistake: "La llave oculto."
Correction: La llave está oculta. (The key is hidden.) Remember to use a form of 'ser' or 'estar' before the adjective to form a complete sentence.
⭐ Usage Tips
Past Participle Connection
'Oculto' is the past form of the verb 'ocultar' (to hide). When used as an adjective, it describes the state of being hidden.
When something is kept private or secret, it is oculto.
oculto(adjective)
secret
?kept private
,mysterious
?difficult to understand
occult
?pertaining to supernatural or magical knowledge
,arcane
?known only to a few
📝 In Action
El libro trataba sobre las fuerzas ocultas del universo.
C1The book dealt with the hidden forces of the universe.
Ella tenía un motivo oculto para ayudarles.
B2She had a secret motive for helping them.
La verdad oculta de la historia salió a la luz.
C1The mysterious truth of the story came to light.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Use
In this sense, 'oculto' usually describes abstract nouns like 'motivo' (motive), 'verdad' (truth), or 'significado' (meaning) that are intentionally kept from others.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use in Literature
You will often see 'oculto' in serious or literary writing when discussing deep secrets, conspiracy theories, or esoteric topics.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oculto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'oculto' in the figurative sense of 'secret knowledge'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'oculto' the same as 'escondido'?
They are very similar synonyms and often interchangeable when talking about physical objects being out of sight. However, 'oculto' is much more common and preferred when talking about abstract things like 'secret motives' or 'hidden meanings' ('motivos ocultos').
How do I make 'oculto' plural?
Since 'oculto' is an adjective, you just add an 's' to the end. Remember to match the gender of the noun too! 'El mensaje oculto' becomes 'Los mensajes ocultos'. 'La agenda oculta' becomes 'Las agendas ocultas'.