Inklingo

How to Say "secrecy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

secreto

/seh-KREH-toh//seˈkɾe.to/

NounA2General
Use 'secreto' when referring to the general state of something being hidden or unknown, or a piece of information that is not meant to be shared.
A close-up illustration of a child gently whispering a piece of information into a small, closed, antique wooden treasure chest, symbolizing a hidden secret.

Examples

No le digas a nadie, es un secreto.

Don't tell anyone, it's a secret.

Mi hermano es bueno para guardar secretos.

My brother is good at keeping secrets.

El secreto de su éxito es la perseverancia.

The secret to his success is perseverance.

Always Masculine

When 'secreto' is a noun (a thing), it's always masculine. Always use 'el secreto' or 'un secreto', never 'la secreta' or 'una secreta'.

Confusing with the Adjective

Mistake: “Tengo una secreta para ti.”

Correction: Tengo un secreto para ti. (I have a secret for you.) The noun is always 'un secreto'.

reserva

reh-SEHR-vah/reˈseɾ.βa/

nounC1Formal
Choose 'reserva' when someone is intentionally keeping information confidential or being discreet, often in a formal or cautious manner.
A small, quiet child sitting slightly concealed behind a large, bright blue armchair, peeking out shyly, illustrating emotional restraint.

Examples

El testigo habló con mucha reserva sobre los detalles del caso.

The witness spoke with great reserve about the details of the case.

Su reserva lo hace parecer distante, pero es una persona amable.

His reserve makes him seem distant, but he is a kind person.

Adverbial Phrase

To describe how someone acts, use the phrase 'con reserva' (with reserve), which functions like an adverb.

oscuridad

os-coo-ree-DAHD/oskuɾiˈðað/

NounB2General
Use 'oscuridad' when 'secrecy' refers to a lack of clarity, ambiguity, or hidden complexities, rather than confidential information.
A simple illustration of a person standing behind a sheer, semi-transparent curtain or veil, making their features indistinct and unrecognizable, symbolizing obscurity.

Examples

La oscuridad de su escritura hacía el libro muy difícil de leer.

The obscurity/complexity of his writing made the book very difficult to read.

El presidente operaba en la oscuridad, sin informar al público.

The president operated in secrecy, without informing the public.

Confusing 'Secreto' with 'Oscuridad'

Learners often mistakenly use 'oscuridad' when they mean 'secreto.' Remember that 'oscuridad' relates to obscurity or lack of clarity, not necessarily hidden information. 'Secreto' is the direct translation for something kept hidden or confidential.

Related Translations

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