Inklingo

How to Say "to expose" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to expose” is “exponer” — use this when talking about leaving something or someone unprotected or vulnerable to harm, such as weather, danger, or criticism..

English → Spanish

exponer

/ex-po-NAIR//eks.poˈneɾ/

verbB2
Use this when talking about leaving something or someone unprotected or vulnerable to harm, such as weather, danger, or criticism.
A small green plant sitting alone in the middle of a snowy field without any cover.

Examples

No debes exponer tu piel al sol durante muchas horas.

You shouldn't expose your skin to the sun for many hours.

No debes exponer la piel al sol durante muchas horas.

You shouldn't expose your skin to the sun for many hours.

Ese comportamiento expone a tu familia al peligro.

That behavior exposes your family to danger.

Se expuso a una multa por conducir muy rápido.

He risked a fine by driving too fast.

Exposing yourself

To say 'to take a risk,' you use the reflexive form: 'exponerse'. Example: 'No quiero exponerme' (I don't want to risk myself).

Using 'a' with things

descubrir

dess-koo-BREER/deskuˈβɾiɾ/

verbB2
Choose this when the act of exposing involves revealing something that was hidden, like a secret, a plan, or a physical object.
A hand lifting a blue cloth to reveal a red apple underneath.

Examples

El presidente descubrió la placa conmemorativa.

The president uncovered (revealed) the commemorative plaque.

Cuando entró a la casa, se descubrió la cabeza.

When he entered the house, he uncovered his head (took off his hat).

La investigación descubrió su fraude.

The investigation exposed his fraud.

Using the Reflexive Form ('Descubrirse')

When you use 'descubrirse' (with 'se'), it means the subject is uncovering themselves—usually taking off a hat or realizing their own true feelings.

destapar

/de-stah-par//des.ta.ˈpaɾ/

verbB2
Use this specifically to reveal scandals, illegal activities, or hidden wrongdoings, similar to 'uncovering' a conspiracy.
A hand pulling back a heavy velvet curtain to reveal a hidden glowing golden treasure chest.

Examples

La investigación destapó un caso de corrupción.

The investigation revealed/exposed a case of corruption.

Finalmente destaparon sus verdaderas intenciones.

They finally revealed their true intentions.

Action on Information

When used figuratively, 'destapar' works just like 'to uncover' in English—it implies that something was hidden and is now visible to everyone.

desnudar

/des-noo-dar//desnuˈðar/

verbC1literary/formal
This is used metaphorically to reveal the plain, unvarnished truth or the core reality of a situation, often stripping away pretense.
A treasure chest being opened to reveal a glowing heart inside.

Examples

Sus palabras desnudaron la verdad detrás de la mentira.

His words revealed the truth behind the lie.

En su diario, ella desnuda su alma.

In her diary, she reveals her soul.

El informe desnuda las fallas del sistema.

The report exposes the flaws in the system.

Figurative objects

When using 'desnudar' figuratively, you usually describe 'desnudando' a secret, an emotion, or a truth, treating it like it had a covering you are removing.

Exponer vs. Destapar vs. Descubrir

Learners often confuse 'exponer' with 'destapar' or 'descubrir'. Remember that 'exponer' implies vulnerability or unprotectedness, while 'destapar' and 'descubrir' focus on revealing something previously hidden, often negative.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.