Translation guide
The English adverb 'stealthily' describes doing something in a quiet, careful, or secretive way to avoid being noticed. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through mimetic adverbs, verb forms, or descriptive phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
Describes physical movement done in a way that avoids detection, often with a nuance of sneaking or tiptoeing.
The most common and versatile adverb for doing something secretly or without others noticing. Used for a wide range of actions, from sneaking a snack to leaving a room quietly.
彼はこっそり部屋を抜け出した。
He stealthily slipped out of the room.
こっそりお菓子を食べた。
I stealthily ate a snack.
Implies doing something gently, quietly, and carefully so as not to disturb or be noticed. Often used for delicate actions or when trying not to wake someone.
彼女はそっとドアを閉めた。
She stealthily closed the door.
赤ちゃんを起こさないようにそっと歩いた。
I walked stealthily so as not to wake the baby.
Carries a stronger sense of sneakiness or furtiveness, often with a negative connotation. Used when someone is doing something they shouldn't be doing.
彼らはこそこそと話していた。
They were talking stealthily (in a furtive manner).
Literally 'with stealthy steps', this phrase specifically describes walking stealthily, like a ninja. It emphasizes the manner of walking.
忍び足で近づいた。
I approached stealthily (on tiptoe).
Focuses on actions done secretly to avoid detection, often involving deception or hidden motives.
Means 'secretly' or 'in private', often used for plans, feelings, or actions kept hidden from others. More formal than こっそり.
彼は密かに計画を進めていた。
He was stealthily advancing his plan.
密かに彼女に恋をしていた。
I was stealthily in love with her.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'in secret' or 'on the sly', often used among friends or family. Implies keeping something from others.
内緒でプレゼントを買った。
I stealthily bought a present (without telling anyone).
Literary expression meaning 'without anyone knowing' or 'unbeknownst to others'. Used for actions done in complete secrecy, often with a poetic nuance.
Emphasizes the skill of moving invisibly or undetectably, often associated with ninja or spies.
The -te form of 忍ぶ (to conceal oneself, to sneak). Used in set phrases like 忍んで行く (to go stealthily). Conveys a traditional, almost ninja-like stealth.
夜陰に乗じて忍んで城に近づいた。
Under cover of darkness, they stealthily approached the castle.
Literally 'without a sound', this phrase describes moving so quietly that no sound is made. Often used in narratives.
猫は音もなく近づいた。
The cat approached stealthily, without a sound.
こっそり is the most general and neutral for doing something secretly. そっと emphasizes gentleness and quietness, often to avoid disturbing. こそこそ has a negative, furtive nuance, implying guilt or sneakiness.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'stealthily'. Using a dictionary form like ステルスに (suterusu ni) is not natural. Choose the appropriate mimetic word or phrase based on the nuance.
彼はこっそりクッキーを瓶から取った。
He stealthily took the cookie from the jar.
彼女は会議中にこっそり携帯を見た。
She stealthily glanced at her phone during the meeting.
彼は人知れず努力を続けた。
He continued his efforts stealthily, unknown to others.