When trying to express the concept of “sneaking around” in Spanish, it is important to consider both formal and informal contexts since the appropriate terminology may vary depending on the situation. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various phrases, tips, and examples to help you accurately convey the idea of “sneaking around” in Spanish across different regions. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Sneaking Around”
In more formal settings or when addressing people you are not familiar with, it is essential to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal expressions you can use:
- 1. Actuar a escondidas: This phrase, which directly translates to “to act in secret,” is a formal way to refer to sneaking around. For example, “Él está actuando a escondidas” means “He is sneaking around.”
- 2. Moverse sigilosamente: When you want to describe someone moving quietly or stealthily, “moverse sigilosamente” is an accurate way to express “sneaking around.” For instance, “Los ladrones se movían sigilosamente” translates to “The thieves were sneaking around.”
- 3. Desplazarse sin ser visto: If you want to emphasize the aspect of going unnoticed while sneaking around, “desplazarse sin ser visto” is a suitable formal phrase. For instance, “Ella se desplazaba sin ser vista” means “She was sneaking around without being seen.”
Informal Ways to Say “Sneaking Around”
In casual conversations or informal settings, you can utilize simpler expressions to convey the idea of “sneaking around.” Here are some informal phrases:
- 1. Andar de puntillas: The phrase “andar de puntillas” translates to “to walk on tiptoes” and is commonly used to describe sneaking around informally. For example, “Mis amigos andaban de puntillas para no despertar a nadie” means “My friends were sneaking around so as not to wake anyone up.”
- 2. Estar en los huesos: Although it literally means “to be in the bones,” this phrase is often used in informal contexts to convey the idea of being skinny or looking emaciated, which could be associated with sneaking around discreetly. An example sentence could be “Juan está en los huesos últimamente, parece que se está moviendo como un fantasma” (Juan has been looking really skinny lately, it seems like he’s sneaking around like a ghost).
- 3. Pasar desapercibido: This expression, which means “to go unnoticed,” can also be used informally to describe sneaking around. For instance, “Mis hermanos intentaban pasar desapercibidos durante toda la noche” translates to “My siblings were trying to sneak around all night.”
Examples in Context
Let’s take a look at a few examples that showcase the usage of these phrases in context:
“Durante la película, los personajes principales tuvieron que actuar a escondidas para evitar ser atrapados por los villanos” (During the movie, the main characters had to sneak around to avoid being caught by the villains).
“Los estudiantes se movían sigilosamente por los pasillos para llegar a la fiesta clandestina” (The students were sneaking around the hallways to get to the underground party).
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various regions, and certain terms or expressions may differ slightly. However, in the case of “sneaking around,” the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood and used across Spanish-speaking countries. Therefore, regional variations specific to this context are not necessary to convey the desired meaning.
Conclusion
Now that you have an array of formal and informal expressions at your disposal, you can proficiently convey the concept of “sneaking around” in Spanish. Remember to adapt your language based on the context and the formality level of the situation. Practicing these phrases in conversations will help you feel more comfortable and fluent when expressing the idea of “sneaking around” in Spanish.
