Spanish Conversation · Level 37
74 words
Spanish word
secreto
Pronunciation
IPA/seˈkɾeto/
Meaning
- masculine nounsecret
Example
Guarda este secreto.
Keep this secret.
More examples
Tienen que mantener en secreto la sorpresa para la fiesta.
They have to keep the surprise for the party secret.
Core concept
A folded paper note hidden inside a locked drawer.
Common phrases
guardar un secreto
keep a secret
tener un secreto
have a secret
mantener en secreto
keep ... secret
Similar words
confidencia: A confidential matter told only to a person who is trusted.
privacidad: Privacy of one's personal life and personal data from outside access.
intimidad: Personal feelings and aspects of life known only by close relations.
discreción: Discretion in speech and behavior to prevent sensitive details leaking.
Definition in Spanish
Información o asunto que se mantiene oculto o que no se revela a otras personas por motivos de privacidad, discreción o seguridad.
Word origin
The word derives from Latin secretus, the past participle of secernere 'to separate', and originally meant 'set apart', leading to the sense 'hidden'.
Usage tips
- Spanish uses guardar un secreto to express 'to keep a secret' and revelar un secreto to express 'to reveal a secret', while contar un secreto specifically means to tell a secret to someone.
Opposites
- divulgacióndisclosurenoun
- aperturaopennessnoun
Related words
- secretamentesecretlyadverb