escuchar a escondidas
Lemma Details
Translation: to eavesdrop; to listen in secretly; to listen stealthily
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'escuchar' (to listen) with 'a escondidas' (in hiding/secretly). 'Escuchar' derives from Latin 'auscultare' (to listen attentively), while 'escondidas' comes from 'esconder' (to hide), which originated from Latin 'abscondere' (to conceal). The construction literally means 'to listen from hiding'.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los niños estaban escuchando a escondidas la conversación de sus padres.
The children were eavesdropping on their parents' conversation.
Me sorprendió escuchando a escondidas detrás de la puerta.
He caught me eavesdropping behind the door.
No es educado escuchar a escondidas las conversaciones ajenas.
It's not polite to eavesdrop on other people's conversations.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'escuchar' (listen) + 'escondidas' (hidden) = listening while hidden
- Imagine someone hiding behind a door with their ear pressed against it
- Connect 'escondidas' with 'escondite' (hiding place) to remember it means listening from a hiding place
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to describe the act of secretly listening to others' conversations. It appears frequently in literature, television, and everyday speech when referring to someone who is intentionally overhearing conversations they're not meant to hear.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both phrases mean 'to eavesdrop,' but 'escuchar a hurtadillas' emphasizes the furtive or stealthy manner, while 'escuchar a escondidas' emphasizes being hidden while listening.
This word:
Estaba escuchando a escondidas detrás del armario.
He was eavesdropping from behind the closet.
Notes: Both phrases are used interchangeably in many contexts, but 'a escondidas' is generally more common.
Mnemonic: 'Escondidas' relates to 'esconder' (to hide), while 'hurtadillas' relates to 'hurtar' (to steal) - one emphasizes hiding, the other stealing information.
Explanation: 'Escuchar a escondidas' specifically refers to secretly listening, while 'espiar' is broader and means 'to spy' which can include watching, following, or gathering information in various ways.
Confused word:
El agente espiaba todos los movimientos del sospechoso.
The agent was spying on all the suspect's movements.
Notes: 'Espiar' is a broader term that can include 'escuchar a escondidas' as one of its methods.
Mnemonic: Think of 'escuchar a escondidas' as using only your ears, while 'espiar' uses all senses and methods.