Translation guide
To hide something or keep it secret. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being concealed and from whom.
To put something out of sight so it cannot be seen or found.
The most common verb for hiding physical objects. Transitive; the object is marked with を.
彼はプレゼントをクローゼットに隠した。
He concealed the present in the closet.
Intransitive; means 'to hide oneself' or 'to be hidden'. Use when the subject is the thing being hidden.
猫がソファの下に隠れた。
The cat hid under the sofa.
Formal, often used in legal or technical contexts for concealing information or objects.
証拠を秘匿した疑いで逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of concealing evidence.
To keep something secret or not reveal it.
Also used for abstract things like feelings, facts, or secrets.
彼女は怒りを隠せなかった。
She couldn't conceal her anger.
Literally 'to make a secret'. Common for keeping something confidential.
その計画は秘密にされた。
The plan was kept secret.
Often used for deliberately not mentioning something, like hiding a fact or name.
To keep something hidden deep inside, often feelings or thoughts. Literary nuance.
To disguise or hide who you are or where you are.
Literally 'hide one's body'. Used for going into hiding or lying low.
彼は警察から身を隠している。
He is hiding from the police.
To disguise or camouflage, often used for military or deceptive purposes.
兵士たちは車両を偽装した。
The soldiers camouflaged the vehicles.
To hide out or lie in wait, often for a long period. Used for fugitives or undercover agents.
犯人は山に潜伏しているらしい。
The culprit seems to be hiding out in the mountains.
To carry a weapon in a way that it is not visible.
To carry something concealed, especially a weapon.
彼はナイフを隠し持っていた。
He was carrying a concealed knife.
To carry (a weapon) on one's person. Not necessarily hidden, but often used in legal contexts about concealed carry.
拳銃の携帯は禁止されている。
Carrying a handgun is prohibited.
隠す (kakusu) is transitive (hide something), 隠れる (kakureru) is intransitive (hide oneself). Using the wrong one changes the meaning completely.
For hiding feelings or information, 隠す is the default. 秘密にする is more about keeping a secret, while 伏せる is about not mentioning something.
I'll keep the name concealed.
He spoke of the feelings he had concealed in his heart.