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.
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.
The cat hid under the sofa.
Formal, often used in legal or technical contexts for concealing information or objects.
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.
She couldn't conceal her anger.
Literally 'to make a secret'. Common for keeping something confidential.
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.
He is hiding from the police.
To disguise or camouflage, often used for military or deceptive purposes.
The soldiers camouflaged the vehicles.
To hide out or lie in wait, often for a long period. Used for fugitives or undercover agents.
The culprit seems to be hiding out in the mountains.
To carry a weapon in a way that it is not visible.
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.