Translation guide
Describes actions, movements, or qualities that are quiet, secretive, and intended to avoid detection. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and descriptive phrases that emphasize quietness, secrecy, or slyness.
Describing a person, animal, or action that is deliberately quiet and careful, often for sneaking or not being noticed.
An adverb meaning 'secretly' or 'stealthily', used for actions done quietly to avoid being seen or heard. Very common and natural.
He stealthily slipped out of the room.
The cat approached stealthily.
A noun meaning 'stealthy steps' or 'tiptoeing'. Often used with で to describe moving quietly.
I walked down the hallway with stealthy steps.
A phrase meaning 'without making a sound'. Used to describe doing something quietly.
I closed the door stealthily, without making a sound.
An adverb meaning 'secretly' or 'in secret'. Slightly more formal or literary than こっそり, often used for plans or feelings.
He was stealthily advancing his plan.
Referring to military technology like stealth aircraft that avoid radar detection.
A loanword from English, used specifically for stealth technology (e.g., stealth fighters).
Stealth fighters are hard to detect on radar.
A noun meaning 'stealth' or 'secrecy', sometimes used in military contexts but more often for ninja or covert operations. Can be technical.
Describing behavior that is sneaky, underhanded, or done in a way that feels dishonest.
An adverb implying sneaky, furtive behavior, often with a negative nuance. Used for actions that seem suspicious.
He stealthily hid something, looking suspicious.
A phrase meaning 'behind the scenes' or 'in secret', often implying underhandedness.
He's stealthily badmouthing people behind their backs.
こっそり is neutral or slightly positive (like sneaking a surprise), while こそこそ has a negative, suspicious feel (like hiding something bad). Use こっそり for general 'stealthy' actions.
I stealthily left a present.
He sneaked away guiltily.
隠密行動
stealth operation