na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Describes actions, operations, or arrangements done in secrecy, often with a nuance of careful concealment. Used as a na-adjective or no-adjective.
They proceeded with the plan in secret.
A covert investigation is being conducted.
spy; secret agent (historical)
Historical term for a spy or undercover agent serving a daimyo or shogun in feudal Japan. Not used for modern spies.
In the Edo period, spies investigated the activities of various daimyo.
It was necessary to carry out the plan covertly.
He infiltrated the castle town as a spy.
He was assigned a covert mission.
スパイ is the modern loanword for a spy of any era, while 隠密 specifically denotes a covert agent of feudal Japan.
内密 describes something kept confidential within a limited circle, whereas 隠密 emphasizes stealthy, undetected execution.
間者 is another historical term for a secret agent, largely interchangeable with 隠密 but slightly more literary.
密か is a common na-adjective meaning 'quietly/secretly' for personal feelings or small acts, while 隠密 has a more formal, operational nuance.
隠密 is a native Japanese word for secrecy or covert action, often used in historical, ninja, or espionage contexts, while ステルス is a modern loanword mainly tied to technology (e.g. stealth aircraft) or covert business practices.
隠密 is a more formal word for secrecy or covert activity, while 忍び specifically evokes stealthy, often ninja-like movement.
密 describes matters kept secret in general, while 隠密 stresses deliberate concealment or covert action, like spying.
Compound of 隠 (conceal) and 密 (secret). The historical spy sense developed from the idea of 'hidden secrecy'.