revelar
“revelar” means “reveal” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
reveal, disclose
Also: uncover, unveil
📝 In Action
El periodista logró revelar información clasificada.
B1The journalist managed to reveal classified information.
La investigación reveló la causa del accidente.
A2The investigation uncovered the cause of the accident.
Prométeme que nunca revelarás esto a nadie.
A2Promise me you will never disclose this to anyone.
develop
📝 In Action
Necesito ir a la tienda para revelar este rollo de fotos.
B1I need to go to the store to develop this roll of film.
El químico se usa para revelar las imágenes.
B2The chemical is used to develop the images.
to show one's true self, to turn out to be
📝 In Action
Ante el peligro, el héroe se reveló valiente.
B2Faced with danger, the hero revealed himself to be brave (or: proved himself brave).
Ella se reveló como una líder nata durante la crisis.
C1She revealed herself as a natural leader during the crisis.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: revelar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'revelar' in the sense of developing film?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin verb *revelare*, meaning 'to unveil' or 'to lift the veil.' It combines the prefix *re-* (again, back) and *velum* (a veil or covering).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'revelar' y 'rebelar'?
'Revelar' (with V) means to uncover a secret or show something hidden. 'Rebelar' (with B) is a completely different word meaning to rise up or revolt against someone or something (like an authority figure). They sound similar but have distinct meanings.
Does 'revelar' always require the use of 'que'?
No. When 'revelar' is followed by a piece of information, you usually use 'que' (e.g., 'Reveló que estaba enfermo' - He revealed that he was sick). But if you are revealing a thing, you use the thing directly (e.g., 'Reveló el dibujo' - He revealed the drawing).