nascondere
/nasˈkon.de.re/
To conceal in Italian is nascondere. Wiktionary also lists celare and occultare.
Meaning: to hide something (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| nascondere | /nasˈkon.de.re/ |
| celare | /t͡ʃeˈla.re/ |
| occultare | /ok.kulˈta.re/ |
Which one should you use?
nascondere is the most common and everyday verb used for hiding both physical objects and abstract things like feelings. celare is a more literary and formal option, often used when discussing the concealment of emotions, truths or intentions. occultare is a formal term that often carries a connotation of a deliberate attempt to cover up or suppress something, such as a crime or evidence.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the reflexive action of hiding oneself, you should use the reflexive form nascondersi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of nascondere is /nasˈkon.de.re/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The English word 'abscond' is a direct linguistic sibling of the Italian nascondere, sharing the same Latin root 'abscondere'.
- The word nascondino for 'hide and seek' is a diminutive form of nascondere, literally translating to 'little hide'.
- Using the reflexive form nascondersi can imply not just hiding from view, but also being shy or modest in social situations.
Examples in context
- Tom cercò di nascondere il suo coltello.Tom tried to conceal his knife.This sentence shows the use of nascondere in the context of hiding a physical object.Tatoeba #4820686 by Guybrush88, translation #2958376 by CK
- Non era in grado di celare la sua rabbia.She was unable to conceal her anger.This sentence demonstrates the use of celare regarding the concealment of an emotion.Tatoeba #10126412 by Guybrush88, translation #7391747 by CH
- Non fui capace di celare la mia mancanza di entusiasmo.I was unable to conceal my lack of enthusiasm.This sentence shows how celare can be used to express the inability to hide a lack of enthusiasm.Tatoeba #11556732 by Nuel, translation #11556731 by Nuel
- La testimone ha cercato di nascondere la verità durante l'interrogatorio.The witness tried to conceal the truth during the interrogation.
- L'investigatore ha celato le prove per proteggere l'identità del testimone.The investigator concealed the evidence to protect the witness's identity.
- Ho tenuto nascosti i regali di compleanno fino alla festa a sorpresa.I concealed the birthday gifts until the surprise party.
- Lui cerca sempre di coprire i suoi errori.He always tries to conceal his mistakes.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are looking for a gift they hid in the house.
- LorenzoDove hai deciso di nascondere il regalo?Where did you decide to hide the gift?
- GiuliaL'ho messo dietro il divano, Lorenzo.I put it behind the sofa, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoPerché non l'hai messo in camera?Why didn't you put it in the bedroom?
- GiuliaVolevo nascondere l'oggetto meglio.I wanted to hide the object better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conceal” translations and entries nascondere, celare, occultare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries celare, nascondere, occultare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
