Translation guide
The English phrase "lying low" can mean physically hiding or staying out of sight, or metaphorically avoiding attention or trouble. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both senses.
To physically conceal oneself or remain hidden, often to avoid detection.
Literally 'to hide one's body'. A common, natural phrase for lying low physically, often with a nuance of avoiding danger or detection.
To deliberately stay out of the public eye, avoid drawing notice, or refrain from activities that might attract trouble.
Literally 'to make oneself inconspicuous'. A natural way to express the idea of keeping a low profile in social or professional situations.
Avoid directly translating 'lying low' as 低く横たわる or similar; it will not convey the intended meaning and sounds unnatural.
He's lying low from the police.
A more formal or technical term for hiding out or being in hiding, often used for criminals or fugitives.
The culprit is lying low in the mountains.
General verb for 'to hide'. Can be used for lying low, but is broader and less specific than 身を潜める.
He plans to lie low for a while.
I'm lying low for now.
Literally 'to take a low posture'. Means to adopt a humble, non-confrontational attitude, often to avoid conflict or criticism.
He's been lying low since getting scolded by his boss.
Literally 'to hold one's breath'. Used metaphorically to mean lying low or keeping very quiet to avoid notice, often in a tense situation.
We lay low until the storm passed.
Literally 'to silence one's chirping'. An idiomatic expression meaning to become quiet or inactive, often used for someone who was previously outspoken or prominent.
After receiving criticism, he lay low.