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.
It was necessary to carry out the plan covertly.
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.
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'.