Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cover" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cover", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
照れ隠し
てれかくし (terekakushi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
覆う
おおう (oou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cover" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 照れ隠し and 覆う.
In Japanese, 照れ隠し (てれかくし (terekakushi)) is typically associated with "cover up one's shyness; masking embarrassment; play it cool" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to covering up one's shyness, masking embarrassment, or playing it cool by acting angry, indifferent, or changing the subject. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Masking embarrassment! The true essence of my strict, prickly 'Baka! don't come near!' is strictly covering my shyness because you look too handsome! Break through it!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『てれかくし（照れ隠し）よ！『バカ！来ないで！』っていう私のツンツンした態度の本質はね、全部あんたが格好よすぎて死にそうだから行う照れ隠しなのよ！優しく見破りなさい！』.
On the other hand, 覆う (おおう (oou)) maps to "to cover, to hide, to wrap" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe covering something physically, often completely, or metaphorically, like hiding a fact. 表面全体を何かで覆い隠すニュアンスがあります。. A literal translation of "cover" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "照れ隠し"
人前で褒められた彼は、嬉しさを隠すための_______から、わざとぶっきらぼうな口調で返事をしました。
Praised in public, out of a cover-up for his shyness to hide his joy, he purposely replied in a blunt tone.
Bilingual Context for "覆う"
彼は両手で顔を覆って泣いた。
He covered his face with both hands and cried.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人前で褒められた彼は、嬉しさを隠すための_______から、わざとぶっきらぼうな口調で返事をしました。" (Meaning: "Praised in public, out of a cover-up for his shyness to hide his joy, he purposely replied in a blunt tone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "照れ隠し" fits here because it means "cover up one's shyness; masking embarrassment; play it cool" in the context of: "Praised in public, out of a cover-up for his shyness to hide his joy, he purposely replied in a blunt tone.". "覆う" represents "to cover, to hide, to wrap".