Inklingo

How to Say "to harbor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acariciar

/ah-kah-ree-syahr//akaɾiˈsjaɾ/

verbB2
Use this word when 'to harbor' means to cherish or keep a hope, dream, or desire alive in your mind, often with a sense of fondness.
A person sitting on a grassy hill at night, looking up at a single bright star with a peaceful smile.

Examples

Ella acaricia el sueño de ser una gran pianista.

She cherishes the dream of being a great pianist.

Acarician la idea de mudarse a España algún día.

They are harboring the idea of moving to Spain someday.

La brisa acariciaba la superficie del lago.

The breeze skimmed the surface of the lake.

Abstract Objects

When using this verb for dreams or ideas, you don't need the 'personal a' because ideas aren't people or pets.

albergar

ahl-behr-GAHR/albeɾˈɡaɾ/

verbC1
Choose this translation when 'to harbor' refers to holding onto a feeling, thought, or belief, especially hope or suspicion, within your mind.
A person sitting quietly under a tree, holding a glowing golden heart close to their chest.

Examples

Todavía albergo la esperanza de que todo salga bien.

I still harbor the hope that everything will turn out well.

No es bueno albergar rencor hacia los demás.

It is not good to harbor resentment toward others.

Él albergaba serias dudas sobre el éxito del plan.

He held serious doubts about the plan's success.

Abstract Usage

When used with emotions, this word functions just like 'to harbor' in English—it implies keeping a feeling inside for a long time.

encubrir

/en-koo-BREER//en.kuˈβɾiɾ/

verbC1
Use this word specifically when 'to harbor' means to protect or give shelter to someone who has committed a crime, essentially to conceal their guilt.
A person in a dark coat placing a large pile of autumn leaves over a mysterious wooden crate to conceal it.

Examples

Fue acusado de encubrir el asesinato.

He was accused of covering up the murder.

La ley castiga a quienes intentan encubrir a un fugitivo.

The law punishes those who try to harbor a fugitive.

No puedes encubrir sus delitos por más tiempo.

You cannot cover up their crimes any longer.

Direct Objects

This verb usually needs a 'what'—you hide a crime (encubrir un crimen) or a 'who'—you hide a person (encubrir a alguien).

Hope vs. Hiding a Criminal

The most frequent error is confusing 'acariciar'/'albergar' (for hopes/feelings) with 'encubrir' (for criminals). Remember, 'encubrir' is about active concealment of wrongdoing, not about internal thoughts or emotions.

Related Translations

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