Spanish Conversation · Level 66
60 words
Spanish word
críptico
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈkɾiptiko/
Meaning
- adjectivemysterious
Example
Su sonrisa parecía críptica.
His smile seemed mysterious.
More examples
La profesora dio una respuesta críptica que confundió a los estudiantes.
The teacher gave a mysterious answer that confused the students.
Core concept
A veiled, hard-to-read expression.
Common phrases
respuesta críptica
mysterious answer
nota críptica
mysterious note
mirada críptica
mysterious look
Similar words
enigmático: Imparts a mysterious, puzzle-like air with no clear stated purpose.
misterioso: Prompts wonder by lacking an apparent cause or obvious explanation.
ambiguo: Lacks a single clear meaning, so interpretation can vary widely.
indescifrable: Defies decoding, making comprehension extremely difficult.
Definition in Spanish
Que expresa algo de manera enigmática o velada, de modo que no se entiende con facilidad.
Word origin
From Greek root krypt- meaning 'hide', via Latin into Spanish, giving a sense of something expressed in a concealed or enigmatic way.
Usage tips
- Often implies intentional obscuring: when applied to a remark, gesture, or message it suggests the speaker is hinting rather than simply unclear, so listeners commonly seek clarification.