revelar
/rebeˈlaɾ/
To reveal in Spanish is revelar. Wiktionary also lists propalar.
Meaning: to uncover (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| revelar | /rebeˈlaɾ/ |
| propalar | /pɾopaˈlaɾ/ |
The primary way to express the act of revealing information or a secret is with revelar. While it is used for secrets, if you intend to mean the physical act of uncovering an object, you should use destapar instead. The noun form related to this concept is revelación, meaning revelation.
Which one should you use?
Use revelar when you are sharing information or a secret. If you are talking about uncovering a physical object, use destapar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the verb delatar may be used to mean reveal, but be aware that this carries a connotation of betrayal.
How do you pronounce it?
/rebeˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- While revelar is used for secrets, it is also the specific word used for 'developing' photographic film in Spanish.
- The Latin root of revelar actually refers to 'removing a veil', which provides a more visual way to remember the word.
- The word propalar is often used in legal or formal contexts to describe the act of spreading rumors or news to the public.
Examples in context
- No puedo revelar mis fuentes.I can't reveal my source.This sentence shows how to use revelar regarding a source.Tatoeba #5131108 by don_ramon, translation #1954799 by CK
- Amenacé con revelar su secreto.I threatened to reveal his secret.This sentence shows how to use revelar regarding a secret.Tatoeba #3675761 by SrTortuga, translation #260739 by CK
- Psicológicamente es el mejor momento para revelar el secreto.Psychologically it's the best time to reveal the secret.Tatoeba #5959921 by baudelaire, translation #5990993 by johnisprobablybored
- Desveló los secretos de la compañíaHe revealed the company's secrets
- Mostró su verdadero rostroHe revealed his true face
- Puso de manifiesto sus verdaderas intencionesHe revealed his true intentions
- Descubrieron su secretoThey revealed his secret
- El informante desveló los planes secretos del enemigoThe informant revealed the enemy's secret plans
- La nueva evidencia mostró la verdad detrás del incidenteThe new evidence revealed the truth behind the incident
- La investigación puso de manifiesto la corrupción en la compañíaThe investigation revealed the corruption in the company
- ¡No puedo creer que me contó tu secreto!I can't believe he revealed your secret to me!
- Revelaron la ubicación del tesoro enterradoThey revealed the location of the buried treasure
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a surprise party.
- Javier¿Vas a revelar la sorpresa hoy?Are you going to reveal the surprise today?
- MaríaNo, todavía no puedo revelar nada.No, I cannot reveal anything yet.
- JavierMaría, eres muy misteriosa.María, you are very mysterious.
- MaríaLo siento, Javier, es un secreto.I am sorry, Javier, it is a secret.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reveal” translations and entries revelar, propalar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries propalar, revelar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
