escaparse
/eskapaɾse/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sneaking out" can be translated into Spanish as escaparse.
The term escaparse refers to leaving a place secretly and quietly to avoid being noticed. In a domestic context, such as a teenager leaving their home without permission, it is the standard way to describe the action.
Which one should you use?
While escaparse can mean "to escape" from a dangerous situation, in a domestic context, it is the standard way to describe a person sneaking out of a house.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, the informal expression salir de pinta is used to denote skipping obligations without permission.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the place one is sneaking out of, use the preposition de after the verb, forming escaparse de. If you want to express that someone "sneaked out" in the past tense, use the preterite form se escapó.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskapaɾse/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of escaparse is a common trope in 'telenovelas', where sneaking out of a family estate is a frequent plot device to initiate a secret romance.
- In Spain, you might hear escaparse used to describe a 'quick getaway' for a short break or a secret coffee date, even if the person has permission to leave the house.
- While escaparse describes the act of leaving, Spanish speakers often use the word colarse to describe the act of sneaking back into a place they are not allowed to be.
Examples in context
- El joven decidió salir a escondidas de su casa para ir a una fiesta.The young man decided to sneak out of his house to go to a party.
- Rosario tuvo que escaparse durante la noche para encontrarse con su amor secreto.Rosario had to sneak out during the night to meet her secret love.
- Se escapó de casa anoche.He/she sneaked out of the house last night.
- Él intentó escaparse por la ventana anoche.He tried to sneak out through the window last night.
- Es difícil escaparse de la casa sin hacer ruido.It is difficult to sneak out of the house without making noise.
Example conversation
Two siblings are whispering in their room at night.
- JavierSofía, ¿quieres escaparse para ir al cine?Sofía, do you want to sneak out to go to the movies?
- SofíaMe encantaría, pero papá está despierto.I would love to, but Dad is awake.
- JavierPodemos escaparse por la ventana trasera.We can sneak out through the back window.
- SofíaEstá bien, Javier, vamos ahora.All right, Javier, let's go now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry escaparse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
