Translation guide
A place where someone or something can be hidden or concealed. This guide covers common Japanese words and phrases for physical hiding spots, secret locations, and figurative expressions.
A place where a person or object is physically concealed from view.
The most common and neutral word for a hiding place. Used for people, animals, or objects.
The children found a hiding place.
The cat's hiding place is under the sofa.
Often implies a secret hideout or refuge, like a safe house or den. Can be used for people or animals.
He has a hideout in the mountains.
Emphasizes the act of hiding something intentionally. Often used for hiding valuables or secret items.
He didn't tell anyone the hiding place for the money.
A place where someone hides out, often for a longer period, like a fugitive's hideout. Used in news or formal contexts.
The criminal's hiding place was discovered.
A place that is not easily found or is deliberately kept secret.
A metaphorical place of safety, concealment, or escape.
Literally 'evacuation shelter', but can be used figuratively for a place of refuge or escape from emotional distress.
The library is a hiding place for my soul.
A place to escape to; can be physical or emotional. Often used in phrases like '逃げ場がない' (there's no escape).
隠れ場所 (kakurebasho) focuses on the place itself where someone/something hides, while 隠し場所 (kakushibasho) emphasizes the act of hiding something there. Use 隠し場所 when you intentionally conceal an object.
Avoid directly translating 'hiding place' as 隠している場所 (kakushiteiru basho) in most contexts. It sounds unnatural. Use the established words above.
彼女は現実からの逃げ場を求めている。
She is looking for a hiding place from reality.