Inklingo

How to Say "clandestine" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “clandestine” is “clandestino” — use 'clandestino' when referring to something that is kept secret or done secretly, often with a connotation of being illegal or forbidden, and typically used in more formal or literary contexts..

English → Spanish

clandestino

/klahn-dehs-TEE-noh//klandesˈtino/

adjectiveB1formal/literary
Use 'clandestino' when referring to something that is kept secret or done secretly, often with a connotation of being illegal or forbidden, and typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
A person wearing a dark hooded cloak peeking from behind a large stone pillar in a moonlit courtyard.

Examples

Ellos tenían una reunión clandestina en el sótano.

They were having a clandestine meeting in the basement.

El casino era clandestino y no tenía permisos.

The casino was illegal and didn't have permits.

Publicaron un periódico clandestino durante la guerra.

They published an underground newspaper during the war.

Matching Genders

Since this is a describing word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'clandestino' for masculine words (like 'negocio') and 'clandestina' for feminine words (like 'reunión').

Word Order for Emphasis

Usually, this word comes after the noun (the thing it describes). Putting it after emphasizes that the secrecy is the most important part of the description.

Clandestino vs. Secreto

Mistake: “Using 'clandestino' for a surprise party.”

Correction: Use 'secreto'. 'Clandestino' almost always implies something forbidden by law or authority, while 'secreto' is for any hidden information.

furtivo

/foor-TEE-boh//fuɾ.ˈti.βo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'furtivo' to describe an action done secretly and quickly, often to avoid being noticed, and typically implies a quick, stealthy movement or glance.
A cat walking on its tiptoes across a wooden floor, moving very quietly and carefully.

Examples

Le lanzó una mirada furtiva a su teléfono durante la cena.

She gave a furtive glance at her phone during dinner.

Tuvieron un encuentro furtivo en el parque a medianoche.

They had a secret meeting in the park at midnight.

El gato se acercó de manera furtiva a la paloma.

The cat approached the pigeon in a stealthy way.

Matching the word to the noun

Since this is a word used to describe something, it must change its ending. Use 'furtivo' for masculine items and 'furtiva' for feminine items.

Adding 'ly' to the word

If you want to say someone did something 'stealthily,' change the ending to 'a' and add 'mente': furtivamente.

Furtivo vs. Secreto

Mistake: “Using 'furtivo' for a simple secret like a surprise party.”

Correction: Use 'furtivo' when someone is trying to avoid being caught or seen. For a surprise party, just use 'secreto'.

Formal vs. Quick Secrecy

Learners often confuse 'clandestino' and 'furtivo' by using the more formal 'clandestino' for quick, sneaky actions. Remember that 'furtivo' is better for describing a brief, stealthy movement or look, while 'clandestino' implies a more planned, often illicit, secret operation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.