Translation guide
The act of hiding something or keeping it secret. In Japanese, the best word depends on what is being concealed and why.
隠すこと
concealment (general)
To put something out of sight so it cannot be seen or found.
The most common verb for hiding something physically. Transitive verb (hides something).
彼はプレゼントをクローゼットに隠した。
He hid the present in the closet.
Intransitive verb meaning to hide oneself or be hidden. Used when the subject is the thing being hidden.
子供がカーテンの後ろに隠れた。
The child hid behind the curtain.
Formal or technical term for concealment, often used in legal or military contexts.
情報の秘匿が重要だ。
Concealment of information is important.
To not reveal something that is true, often to avoid trouble or protect privacy.
Also used for hiding non-physical things like facts, feelings, or mistakes.
彼は自分の年齢を隠している。
He is concealing his age.
Literally 'to make a secret'. A common phrase for keeping something confidential.
この計画は秘密にしてください。
Please keep this plan a secret.
To keep something hidden or not mention it, often used for information that is deliberately withheld.
To keep something hidden deep inside, often used for emotions or talents. Literary nuance.
To avoid being recognized or noticed, often for safety or stealth.
Literally 'hide one's body'. Used when a person hides to avoid detection.
彼は警察から身を隠した。
He hid from the police.
To lie low or hide out, often for a longer period. Used for fugitives or undercover operations.
犯人は山に潜伏しているらしい。
The criminal seems to be hiding out in the mountains.
To conceal oneself stealthily; often used in historical or ninja contexts.
To hide proof of a crime or mistake to avoid consequences.
Formal term for covering up or concealing, especially in legal, corporate, or scandal contexts.
会社は不祥事を隠蔽した。
The company concealed the scandal.
To hush up or cover up a scandal or incident, often used in media or organizational contexts.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to bury in darkness', i.e., to cover up completely and permanently.
そのスキャンダルは闇に葬られた。
The scandal was buried in darkness.
隠す is the everyday word for hiding anything. 隠蔽 is a formal term specifically for covering up misconduct or information, often with a negative connotation.
隠蔽 is strong and implies a deliberate, often unethical cover-up. For neutral hiding, use 隠す.
証拠の隠蔽は犯罪だ。
The concealment of the evidence was a crime.
He is keeping quiet about that matter.
She concealed her sorrow in her heart.
The ninja concealed himself in the darkness.
彼らは事件をもみ消そうとした。
They tried to cover up the incident.