Inklingo

How to Say "secluded" in Spanish

English → Spanish

privado

pree-V AH -doh/pɾiˈβaðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'privado' when referring to a space or area that is not public, offering privacy or exclusivity.
A small, cozy house partially hidden behind a high, closed wooden fence, emphasizing privacy.

Examples

Necesito hablar contigo en un lugar privado.

I need to talk to you in a private place.

Esta es información estrictamente privada.

This is strictly private information.

El club tiene una playa privada para sus miembros.

The club has a private beach for its members.

Matching the Ending

Like many Spanish descriptions, 'privado' must match the thing it describes. Use 'privado' for masculine singular things (el coche privado), 'privada' for feminine singular things (la vida privada), 'privados' for masculine plural things, and 'privadas' for feminine plural things.

Ignoring Gender

Mistake: “Hablamos de la tema privado.”

Correction: Hablamos del tema privado. (Tema is masculine, so 'privado' is correct.)

retirado

reh-tee-RAH-doh/retiˈraðo/

AdjectiveB2General
Choose 'retirado' when describing a place that is physically distant, remote, or hidden away from main areas or civilization.
A small, solitary lighthouse stands on a rocky, isolated cliff overlooking a vast, empty ocean.

Examples

Compraron una casa en un lugar muy retirado de la ciudad.

They bought a house in a very remote place far from the city.

El monasterio estaba retirado en las montañas y era difícil llegar.

The monastery was secluded in the mountains and difficult to reach.

Describing Distance

This meaning emphasizes physical distance or separation. It means the place has been 'pulled back' or 'withdrawn' from others.

solitario

/so-li-TA-rio//soliˈtaɾjo/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'solitario' to describe a place that is isolated or lacks company, often implying loneliness or being alone, rather than just physical remoteness.
A lone person sitting on a hillside, reading a book, surrounded by green grass and blue sky, illustrating a preference for being alone.

Examples

Mi gato es muy solitario y no le gustan otros animales.

My cat is very solitary and doesn't like other animals.

Después de que se fueron todos, se sintió muy solitario.

After everyone left, he felt very lonely.

Viven en una casa solitaria en la cima de la montaña.

They live in a secluded house on the top of the mountain.

Adjective Agreement

Like many Spanish descriptions, 'solitario' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'solitaria' for feminine things (like 'la casa solitaria') and 'solitarios' or 'solitarias' for plurals.

Privacy vs. Remoteness

Learners often confuse 'privado' and 'retirado'. Remember, 'privado' means private or exclusive, like a private room. 'Retirado' means geographically remote or far away, like a secluded cabin in the mountains.

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