Actions "Without" Consequences
When you want to express that an action happens without another event occurring, use the conjunction sin que (without).
Because the event following sin que does not actually happen, Spanish treats it as a non-reality. Therefore, sin que is always followed by the subjunctive mood.
Since stories about stealth and secrets often take place in the past, you will frequently see sin que paired with the imperfect subjunctive (like oyera or viera).
| She entered with a lot of stealth without me hearing her. | Entró con mucho sigilo sin que yo la oyera. |
| The spy went unnoticed without anyone seeing him. | El espía pasó inadvertido sin que nadie lo viera. |
If the main action takes place in the present or is a command, use the present subjunctive instead.
| Tell it to the snitch without the boss getting angry. | Cuéntaselo al soplón sin que la jefa se enfade. |
The Vocabulary of Espionage
Whether you are talking about literal spies or just keeping a secret, a few key words are essential. Watch out for a snitch (soplón) who might betray you or give you away (delatar).
| What a snitch! He betrayed us without us knowing it. | ¡Vaya soplón! Nos delató sin que lo supiéramos. |
To avoid being given away, you have to conceal your true intentions or act normal (disimular) so you can go unnoticed (pasar inadvertido).
| Act normal to go unnoticed at the party. | Disimula para pasar inadvertido en la fiesta. |
