How to Say "to lurk" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to lurk” is “acechar” — use 'acechar' when referring to something dangerous or a problem that is present or about to happen, often implying a hidden threat.
Use 'acechar' when referring to something dangerous or a problem that is present or about to happen, often implying a hidden threat.
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Use 'merodear' when describing a person or animal that is staying hidden or moving around an area, usually with suspicious or negative intentions.
Learn more →ah-seh-charaseˈtʃaɾ
Examples
Muchos peligros acechan en este bosque.
Many dangers lurk in this forest.
La duda siempre acecha en su mente.
Doubt is always lurking in his mind.
Figurative Subjects
When used this way, the 'thing' doing the action is usually an abstract noun like 'peligro' (danger), 'muerte' (death), or 'miedo' (fear).
meh-roh-deh-ahrmeɾoðeˈaɾ
Examples
Había un hombre extraño merodeando por el vecindario anoche.
There was a strange man prowling around the neighborhood last night.
Vimos a un gato montés merodear cerca del campamento.
We saw a bobcat prowling near the campsite.
No me gusta que esos chicos se queden merodeando frente a mi tienda.
I don't like those kids loitering in front of my store.
Using 'por' with Merodear
To say you are prowling 'around' a place, use the word 'por'. For example: 'merodear por el jardín' means to wander through/around the garden.
It's a regular verb
Even though it looks fancy, it follows the exact same patterns as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in every form.
Confusing 'merodear' with 'robar'
Mistake: “Using 'merodear' to mean the act of stealing itself.”
Correction: Use 'merodear' for the suspicious movement *before* or *around* a place, and 'robar' for the actual theft.
Acechar vs. Merodear
The most common mistake is using 'acechar' for a person moving around suspiciously. Remember, 'acechar' is for hidden dangers or threats, while 'merodear' describes the action of a person or animal moving stealthily in an area.
Related Translations
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