esconder
/eskonˈdeɾ/
To hide in Spanish is esconder.
The verb esconder means to put oneself in a place where one will be harder to find.
Meaning: (intransitive) put oneself in a place where one will be harder to find (verb)
Which one should you use?
While esconder can mean to hide something, the reflexive form esconderse is specifically used when a person hides themselves. Ocultar can be used formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle escondido is used as an adjective to describe something that is currently in a state of being hidden.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskonˈdeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to use the reflexive pronoun when a person is the one hiding, so they should use esconderse instead of just esconder for 'to hide oneself'.
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb esconder is a direct relative of the English word 'abscond', which also means to hide or depart secretly.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the game of 'hide and seek' is called el escondite.
Examples in context
- ¿Te vas a esconder?Are you going to hide?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is going to hide using esconder.Tatoeba #5132077 by albrusgher, translation #3823870 by CK
- Me tengo que esconder.I have to hide.This sentence is useful for stating a necessity to hide using esconder.Tatoeba #1745975 by marcelostockle, translation #1744877 by Amastan
- Te tienes que esconder.You've got to hide.This sentence is useful for telling someone they must hide using esconder.Tatoeba #3562656 by ficion, translation #3331055 by CK
- El niño se esconde detrás de la cortina.The boy hides behind the curtain.
- Ella oculta sus emociones con una sonrisa.She hides her emotions with a smile.
- Por favor, esconda los documentos importantes en un lugar seguro.Please hide the important documents in a safe place.
- El diplomático ocultó información confidencial durante la negociación.The diplomat hid confidential information during the negotiation.
- El poeta se refugió en las sombras.The poet hid in the shadows.
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are playing a game of hide and seek.
- SofíaVoy a esconder detrás del árbol.I am going to hide behind the tree.
- Javier¡No me digas dónde te vas a esconder!Don't tell me where you are going to hide!
- SofíaEstá bien, ahora cierra los ojos.All right, now close your eyes.
- JavierListo, ahora ve a esconderte rápido.Ready, now go hide quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry esconder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esconder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
