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How to Say "pretext" in Spanish

English → Spanish

excusa

eks-KOO-sahekˈsusa

nounA1general
Use 'excusa' when referring to a reason, often fabricated, given for an action or inaction, similar to a common excuse in English.
A storybook illustration of a child standing next to a broken vase, nervously pointing at a small puppy as if blaming the pet for the accident.

Examples

Su excusa para no venir fue que su perro estaba enfermo.

His excuse for not coming was that his dog was sick.

No tengo ninguna buena excusa para mi error.

I don't have any good excuse for my mistake.

Usó el tráfico como excusa para llegar tarde a la reunión.

He used the traffic as a pretext for arriving late to the meeting.

Gender Check

Remember that 'excusa' is always a feminine word, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'una excusa ridícula'.

pretexto

preh-TEKS-tohpɾeˈteksto

nounB1general
Choose 'pretexto' for a false reason or justification deliberately used to conceal one's true intentions or motives.
A child hiding a broken vase behind their back while offering a single flower to their parent.

Examples

Siempre busca un pretexto para no ir al gimnasio.

He always looks for an excuse not to go to the gym.

Usó el tráfico como pretexto por llegar tarde.

He used the traffic as a pretext for arriving late.

No me vengas con pretextos; sé que no querías venir.

Don't come to me with excuses; I know you didn't want to come.

Using 'para' vs 'de' with pretexto

To say 'an excuse to [do something]', use 'pretexto PARA' + verb in its base form. To say 'under the pretext OF', use 'bajo el pretexto DE'.

Gender memory aid

Words ending in -o are almost always masculine. 'El pretexto' follows this rule, so use 'un' or 'el' before it.

False Friend: Texting

Mistake: “Thinking 'pretexto' refers to a text message.”

Correction: Use 'mensaje de texto' or 'texto' for messages. 'Pretexto' is only used for excuses.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Saying 'hacer un pretexto' to mean making an excuse.”

Correction: In Spanish, we usually 'look for' (buscar) or 'put' (poner) a pretexto rather than 'making' one.

pantalla

pan-TA-yapanˈtaʎa

nounC1general
Use 'pantalla' to describe something that serves as a cover or facade, hiding the true reality or motive, often implying deception.
A massive, thick cloud of swirling white and gray smoke completely obscuring a small structure behind it.

Examples

Su aparente humildad es solo una pantalla para manipular a la gente.

His apparent humility is just a facade (smokescreen) to manipulate people.

Los nuevos impuestos son una pantalla para encubrir la corrupción.

The new taxes are a smokescreen to cover up the corruption.

Figurative Extension

Think of this meaning as literally putting a 'screen' or 'shield' in front of the truth to hide it.

Excusa vs. Pretexto

Learners often confuse 'excusa' and 'pretexto' because both can mean 'excuse'. Remember that 'excusa' is the more general term for any reason given, while 'pretexto' specifically implies a fabricated reason to hide a true motive.

Related Translations

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