Translation guide
Expresses that something is out of sight, concealed, or not apparent. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on whether the subject is a physical object, a person, or an abstract quality, and whether the hiding is intentional or natural.
Describe something that is not visible because it is behind, under, or inside something else, or simply not in view.
The most common way to say something is hidden (intentionally or naturally). It implies the thing is behind or inside something and not visible.
猫がソファの後ろに隠れている。
The cat is hidden behind the sofa.
The key is hidden behind the bookshelf.
Simply means 'cannot be seen'. More neutral than 隠れている; it doesn't imply intentional hiding, just lack of visibility.
ここからだと山が見えない。
The mountain is hidden from here.
Used when something is lurking or lying hidden, often with a sense of waiting or being concealed for a purpose. Common for animals, people, or threats.
犯人は闇に潜んでいる。
The culprit is hidden in the darkness.
Express that facts, emotions, or details are not revealed or are kept secret.
Passive form of 隠す (to hide). Used when someone intentionally hides information or truth.
真実は隠されている。
The truth is hidden.
重要な情報が隠されていた。
Important information was hidden.
Literally 'is being kept secret'. Emphasizes the intentional act of keeping something confidential.
その計画は秘密にされている。
The plan is being kept hidden.
Used for information that is deliberately withheld or not disclosed, often in formal or official contexts.
詳細は伏せられている。
The details are hidden.
Describe someone who is concealed or has taken cover.
Same as for objects, but used for people who are hiding themselves.
子供たちはクローゼットに隠れている。
The children are hidden in the closet.
More vivid expression meaning 'to lie low' or 'keep oneself hidden', often to avoid detection.
彼は警察から身を潜めている。
He is hidden from the police.
Express that something has a deeper, not immediately obvious significance or characteristic.
Attributive form meaning 'hidden' as in 'hidden talent' or 'hidden meaning'. Used before nouns.
彼には隠れた才能がある。
He has a hidden talent.
この言葉には隠れた意味がある。
This word has a hidden meaning.
Often used for deeply hidden emotions, secrets, or potential. More literary than 隠れた.
彼女の胸には秘められた想いがある。
She has hidden feelings in her heart.
隠れている implies the thing is behind or inside something and not visible, often intentionally or by its nature. 見えない simply means it cannot be seen, which could be due to distance, darkness, or obstruction without any sense of concealment.
月が雲に隠れている。
The moon is hidden behind clouds.
月が見えない。
I can't see the moon.
For hidden costs or fees, use 隠れた費用 (かくれたひよう) or more naturally 見えない費用 (みえないひよう) or 潜在的な費用 (せんざいてきなひよう). 隠された費用 can sound like someone is deliberately deceiving you.