Inklingo

How to Say "concealed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

escondido

es-kon-DEE-doh/eskonˈdiðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use this when something is intentionally put out of sight or kept secret, like a hidden object or a secret place.
A small, smiling blue teddy bear is mostly concealed behind a large, bright red curtain, illustrating that it is hidden.

Examples

Encontraron el tesoro escondido detrás de la cascada.

They found the hidden treasure behind the waterfall.

Siempre guarda su dinero en un lugar bien escondido.

He always keeps his money in a well-hidden place.

Ella tiene un talento escondido para la música.

She has a hidden talent for music.

Agreement is Key

As a describing word, 'escondido' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'la llave escondida' (feminine singular) or 'los juguetes escondidos' (masculine plural).

Forgetting the 'estar'

Mistake: “La caja es escondida.”

Correction: La caja está escondida. ('Escondido' usually describes a temporary state or location, so it almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be located), not 'ser' (to be permanent).)

oculto

oh-KUL-toh/oˈkulto/

adjectiveB1general
This implies something is covered up or kept from view, often for a long period, like a secret or a hidden meaning.
A small red ball is almost entirely concealed behind a large, vibrant green bush, with only a tiny sliver of red visible.

Examples

El tesoro permaneció oculto durante siglos.

The treasure remained hidden for centuries.

Encontraron una habitación oculta detrás de la estantería.

They found a hidden room behind the bookcase.

Necesitas buscar un interruptor oculto para abrir la puerta.

You need to look for a concealed switch to open the door.

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).

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.

encubierto

/en-koo-byer-toh//enkuˈβjeɾto/

adjectiveB2general
Use this specifically for things that are secretly observed or operating undercover, like a spy or a hidden camera.
A wooden treasure chest partially buried in sand and covered by large green tropical leaves.

Examples

Había una cámara encubierta en la esquina de la habitación.

There was a hidden camera in the corner of the room.

Sus verdaderas intenciones permanecieron encubiertas.

His true intentions remained hidden.

Action vs. Description

This word is also the 'past participle' form of the verb 'encubrir' (to cover up). When used with 'ha' or 'había', it means 'has/had covered up'.

escondió

verbA2general
This is the past tense of the verb 'esconder' and means 'he/she/it hid' something or someone, or concealed information/feelings.

Examples

Él escondió las llaves en el cajón.

He hid the keys in the drawer.

Adjective vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse the adjectives (escondido, oculto, encubierto) with the verb form (escondió). Remember that 'escondió' is an action someone took ('he/she hid'), while the others describe a state of being hidden.

Related Translations

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