revelar
/reh-veh-LAHR/
reveal
Revelar can mean to reveal or make something known, like unveiling a hidden object.
revelar(verb)
reveal
?to make known
,disclose
?to share a secret
uncover
?figurative
,unveil
?a statue or plan
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Needed
This verb usually needs a direct object—the thing being revealed. Example: 'Reveló el nombre' (He revealed the name).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Tone
While common, 'revelar' often sounds a bit more formal or dramatic than simply 'decir' (to say) when talking about information.
When talking about photography, revelar means to develop film or prints.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Specific Context
This meaning is almost always used when discussing traditional photography (film, darkrooms, etc.), not digital photos.
When used reflexively (revelarse), the word means to show one's true self or nature.
revelar(verb)
to show one's true self
?reflexive usage
,to turn out to be
?to prove oneself
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Particle
When used as 'revelarse,' the 'se' indicates that the action (revealing) is happening to the subject (the person or thing itself).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Revelarse' and 'Rebelarse'
Mistake: "Using 'revelarse' (to show) when you mean 'rebelarse' (to revolt)."
Correction: 'Rebelarse' means to fight authority. 'Revelarse' means to show your true nature or disclose something.
⭐ Usage Tips
Showing Character
Use 'revelarse como...' to describe how someone's true character or identity became clear in a specific situation.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: revelar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'revelar' in the sense of developing film?
📚 More Resources
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).