Inklingo

How to Say "hideout" in Spanish

English → Spanish

escondite

es-con-DEE-teh/es.konˈdi.te/

nounB1
Use 'escondite' when referring to a secret place specifically for hiding or keeping something safe and out of sight.
A simple illustration depicting a small, empty, dark space underneath a staircase, suggesting a location used for concealment.

Examples

Los niños construyeron un escondite secreto en el bosque.

The children built a secret hideout in the woods.

Necesitamos un buen escondite para guardar las llaves de repuesto.

We need a good hiding place to keep the spare keys.

La policía descubrió el escondite de los documentos robados.

The police discovered the hideout of the stolen documents.

Using Prepositions

When talking about what you do in or from a hiding place, use 'en' (in/at) or 'desde' (from): 'Estaba en su escondite' (He was in his hideout).

Confusing Place vs. Action

Mistake: “Using 'esconder' when you mean 'escondite'.”

Correction: Remember 'esconder' is the verb 'to hide' (the action), while 'escondite' is the noun (the place or game). 'El escondite está aquí' (The hiding place is here).

refugio

/rre-FÚ-hio//reˈfu.xjo/

nounA2
Choose 'refugio' when you need a place to take shelter or find protection, especially from external dangers like weather or threats.
A small, sturdy wooden cabin sits safely inside a cave opening while heavy rain falls outside, illustrating a place of refuge.

Examples

Buscamos refugio en una vieja cabaña abandonada.

We sought refuge in an old abandoned cabin.

Necesitamos encontrar un refugio antes de que empiece a llover fuerte.

We need to find shelter before it starts raining heavily.

El refugio de montaña estaba lleno de excursionistas.

The mountain hut (shelter) was full of hikers.

Millones de personas buscan refugio de la guerra en otros países.

Millions of people seek refuge from the war in other countries.

Masculine Noun Rule

Refugio is always a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine articles: 'el refugio' (the refuge) or 'un refugio' (a refuge).

cueva

/KWEY-vah//ˈkwe.βa/

nounB1informal
Use 'cueva' metaphorically to describe a place that is messy, cluttered, or serves as a hidden, often private, den or lair.
A cozy illustration of an animal den, showing a small hollow under large tree roots containing soft straw bedding.

Examples

Su estudio es una cueva de libros y papeles.

His study is a den of books and papers.

Su oficina es una cueva llena de papeles viejos.

His office is a den full of old papers.

Los ladrones usaron ese almacén abandonado como su cueva.

The thieves used that abandoned warehouse as their hideout.

No salgas de tu cueva, el día está hermoso.

Don't come out of your hole (referring to a secluded room), the day is beautiful.

Choosing between 'escondite' and 'refugio'

Learners often confuse 'escondite' and 'refugio'. Remember that 'escondite' is primarily for concealment and secrecy, while 'refugio' emphasizes safety and protection from harm.

Related Translations

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