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"Ocultar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to hide", and "disimular" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to hide". Learn more about the difference between "ocultar" and "disimular" below.
ocultar(
oh
-
kool
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tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to conceal
No hay forma de ocultar las arrugas, por mucho maquillaje que te pongas.There's no way to conceal your wrinkles, no matter how much makeup you use.
a. to hide
No podremos ocultarles la verdad por mucho tiempo.We won't be able to hide the truth from them for very long.
ocultarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to disappear
El sol se había ocultado detrás de las montañas y reinaba una gran oscuridad.The sun had disappeared behind the mountains and darkness prevailed.
disimular(
dee
-
see
-
moo
-
lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to hide
Gabriela disimula su tristeza detrás de una sonrisa.Gabriela hides her sadness behind a smile.
b. to conceal
Ricardo intentó disimular su desprecio, pero se notó de todos modos.Ricardo tried to conceal his contempt, but it came through anyway.
a. to cover up
Puedes disimular el acné con un poco de maquillaje.You can cover up your acne with a bit of makeup.
b. to hide
Coloréalo con un plumón negro para disimular la raya.Color it with a black marker to hide the scratch.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to pretend
Llevo demasiado tiempo disimulando que no pasa nada. Necesito llorar.I've been pretending nothing's wrong for too long. I need to cry.
