also: せんりょう
noun
hidden dragon; person biding their time; heir waiting to ascend the throne; great talent yet to make their mark
Literary Chinese-derived term for a person of great ability or potential who is currently hidden or waiting for the right moment. Often used metaphorically for a capable person lying low, a crown prince, or an unrecognized genius.
彼はまさに潜龍だ。今は目立たないが、いずれ頭角を現すだろう。
He is truly a hidden dragon. He doesn't stand out now, but he will eventually make his mark.
潜龍の時期を経て、彼はついに社長に就任した。
After a period of lying low, he finally became the company president.
臥龍 (がりょう) also means 'hidden dragon' or 'unrecognized genius', but is more strongly associated with the historical figure Zhuge Liang. 潜龍 emphasizes the act of hiding or waiting, while 臥龍 emphasizes lying dormant.
麒麟児 (きりんじ) refers to a prodigy or exceptionally talented young person, similar to a 'hidden dragon' but without the connotation of concealment.
From Chinese 潛龍／潜龙 (qiánlóng), literally 'hidden dragon'. The term originates from the I Ching (Book of Changes) and refers to a dragon that remains hidden underwater, symbolizing a person of great potential who has not yet revealed themselves.