How to Say "to reveal" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to reveal” is “descubrir” — use 'descubrir' when making something physically visible or known for the first time, like uncovering an object or a secret..
descubrir
dess-koo-BREER/deskuˈβɾiɾ/
Examples
El arqueólogo descubrió una tumba antigua.
The archaeologist discovered an ancient tomb.
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.
desvelar
/des-be-LAR//desβeˈlaɾ/
Examples
El mago desveló el truco al final de la actuación.
The magician revealed the trick at the end of the performance.
El autor va a desvelar su nueva novela esta tarde.
The author is going to reveal his new novel this afternoon.
La policía desveló el misterio del robo.
The police uncovered the mystery of the robbery.
Al desvelar la placa, todos aplaudieron.
When the plaque was unveiled, everyone cheered.
Think of it as 'Un-veiling'
In Spanish, 'velo' is a veil. Adding 'des-' is like taking the veil off to show what is underneath.
Desvelar vs. Revelar
Mistake: “Using 'desvelar' for developing photos.”
Correction: Use 'revelar' for photos. Use 'desvelar' for secrets or physical unveiling.
destapar
/de-stah-par//des.ta.ˈpaɾ/
Examples
La investigación destapó una red de sobornos.
The investigation revealed a bribery ring.
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.
delatar
/deh-lah-tahr//delaˈtaɾ/
Examples
Sus nervios lo delataron durante el interrogatorio.
His nerves gave him away during the interrogation.
Tu sonrisa te delata; sé que estás feliz.
Your smile gives you away; I know you are happy.
El sudor en su frente delataba sus nervios.
The sweat on his forehead revealed his nerves.
Se delató a sí mismo al decir esa mentira.
He gave himself away by telling that lie.
Using 'delatarse'
When you accidentally reveal your own secret or guilt, you use the reflexive form 'delatarse' (to give oneself away).
Thinking it only applies to people
Mistake: “Esas huellas revelaron al culpable.”
Correction: Esas huellas delataron al culpable. While 'revelar' is okay, 'delatar' is more common when clues point to someone's identity.
desnudar
/des-noo-dar//desnuˈðar/
Examples
El documental desnuda la cruda realidad de la pobreza.
The documentary lays bare the harsh reality of poverty.
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.
acusar
/ah-koo-SAHR//akuˈsaɾ/
Examples
Su rostro pálido acusaba la falta de sueño.
His pale face showed the lack of sleep.
Su rostro empezaba a acusar el cansancio del viaje.
His face was beginning to show the tiredness of the trip.
General vs. Specific Revelation
Related Translations
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