Arcano (en. Arcane)

/arˈka.no/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A secret or hidden knowledge.
The arcanes of ancient Egypt continue to fascinate archaeologists.
Los arcanos del antiguo Egipto siguen fascinando a los arqueólogos.
In some contexts, a symbol representing a secret.
Tarot has major and minor arcanes.
El tarot tiene arcanos mayores y menores.
A knowledge reserved for a select group of people.
The philosopher spoke of the arcanes of wisdom.
El filósofo hablaba de los arcanos de la sabiduría.

Etymology

From Latin 'arcanus', meaning 'secret' or 'hidden'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tarot arcanes
A set of cards that represent hidden aspects of life.
arcanos del tarot
to know the arcanes
To understand deep secrets or reserved knowledge.
conocer los arcanos

Related Words

major arcane
Each of the 22 tarot cards that symbolize major archetypes.
arcano mayor
minor arcane
The 56 tarot cards that represent everyday aspects and details of life.
arcano menor

Slang Meanings

Hidden knowledge in esoteric circles.
That group only shares its arcane with initiates.
Ese grupo sólo comparte su arcano con iniciados.
Something very complicated or confusing.
That topic is an arcane to me; I don’t understand it.
Ese tema es un arcano para mí, no lo entiendo.