estar oculto

[es-TAR o-KOO-too]
verb phrase
to be hidden
1. to be in a concealed or hidden state; not visible or apparent
The treasure was hidden beneath the floorboards.
O tesouro estava oculto embaixo do assoalho.
2. to be concealed from view; to remain out of sight
The truth remained hidden for many years.
A verdade estava oculta por muitos anos.
3. to be obscured or not readily apparent; secretive or undisclosed
His true intentions were hidden from everyone.
Suas verdadeiras intenções estavam ocultas de todos.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'estar oculto' is a more formal expression often used in literary, journalistic, or legal contexts. In everyday speech, 'estar escondido' is more commonly used. The phrase carries connotations of deliberate concealment or mystery, frequently appearing in crime narratives, mystery literature, and formal discussions about hidden information or clandestine activities.
NYC Slang
to be on the down low
Synonyms / Sinônimos
estar escondidoestar encobridoestar dissimuladoestar veladoestar secreto
Antonyms / Antônimos
estar visívelestar à vistaestar expostoestar reveladoestar descoberto

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
estar oculto
most common form across Brazil
São Paulo
estar oculto
standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
estar escondido
more colloquial alternative frequently used
Portugal
estar oculto
formal and standard usage; estar escondido also acceptable

Related Words

ocultaçãoocultarocultoesconderdissimulação

Related Idioms & Phrases

estar oculto às vistas
estar oculto na penumbra
estar oculto entre as linhas
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