Inklingo

How to Say "to conceal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ocultar

/oh-kool-TAHR//o.kulˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'ocultar' for general concealment, including information, truths, or emotions that someone is intentionally trying to keep from being known.
A simple illustration showing a pair of hands hiding a small red ball behind a large green bush.

Examples

Ella ocultó las llaves debajo del felpudo.

She hid the keys under the doormat.

El sol se ocultó tras las montañas al anochecer.

The sun hid (set) behind the mountains at dusk.

Intentó ocultar su tristeza con una sonrisa falsa.

He tried to conceal his sadness with a fake smile.

El político ocultó los detalles de la reunión a la prensa.

The politician concealed the details of the meeting from the press.

Using the Reflexive Form

When the subject is hiding itself (like 'I hid myself'), you must use the reflexive form: 'ocultarse'. For example, 'Me oculté en el armario' (I hid in the closet).

Hiding Yourself

Mistake: “Yo oculté en el armario.”

Correction: Yo me oculté en el armario. (The action must reflect back onto the person doing the hiding.)

ocultar

/oh-kool-TAHR//o.kulˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
This level of 'ocultar' applies when someone is deliberately hiding feelings, facts, or sensitive information, often to maintain a certain appearance or avoid consequences.
A simple illustration showing a pair of hands hiding a small red ball behind a large green bush.

Examples

Intentó ocultar su tristeza con una sonrisa falsa.

He tried to conceal his sadness with a fake smile.

Ella ocultó las llaves debajo del felpudo.

She hid the keys under the doormat.

El sol se ocultó tras las montañas al anochecer.

The sun hid (set) behind the mountains at dusk.

El político ocultó los detalles de la reunión a la prensa.

The politician concealed the details of the meeting from the press.

Using the Reflexive Form

When the subject is hiding itself (like 'I hid myself'), you must use the reflexive form: 'ocultarse'. For example, 'Me oculté en el armario' (I hid in the closet).

Hiding Yourself

Mistake: “Yo oculté en el armario.”

Correction: Yo me oculté en el armario. (The action must reflect back onto the person doing the hiding.)

esconder

ess-kohn-DEHR/es.konˈdeɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'esconder' primarily for physically hiding objects or people, often in a playful or secretive manner, to prevent them from being found.
A small, colorful toy shovel is tucked out of sight beneath a stack of three large, striped beach towels on a sandy beach.

Examples

Escondí el regalo para que nadie lo viera antes de la fiesta.

I hid the present so that no one would see it before the party.

Ella siempre esconde sus sentimientos detrás de una sonrisa.

She always conceals her feelings behind a smile.

¿Dónde escondiste las llaves del coche?

Where did you hide the car keys?

Requires an Object

When used transitively, 'esconder' must be followed by what is being hidden (the direct object). You can't just say 'Yo escondo' without saying what.

Physical vs. Abstract Hiding

Learners often confuse 'esconder' and 'ocultar' by using 'esconder' for abstract concepts like feelings or information. Remember that 'esconder' is more common for physically hiding something, while 'ocultar' is better for hiding truths, facts, or emotions.

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