Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ひそむ
ひそむ (hisomu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
匿う
かくまう (kakumau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひそむ and 匿う.
In Japanese, ひそむ (ひそむ (hisomu)) is typically associated with "to hide, to lurk, to be concealed" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies something is hidden intentionally, or a feeling/quality that is latent within something. Often used for dangers, secrets, or subtle intentions..
On the other hand, 匿う (かくまう (kakumau)) maps to "to hide; to shelter; to harbor (a person)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 犯罪者や、追われている人などを秘密裏に隠し、保護するという意味合いが強いです。多くの場合、法的な問題や道義的な問題が伴います。. A literal translation of "hide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ひそむ"
その森には危険がひそんでいる。
Danger lurks in that forest.
Bilingual Context for "匿う"
彼は警察に追われている友人をしばらく家に匿った。
He hid his friend, who was being pursued by the police, in his house for a while.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その森には危険がひそんでいる。" (Meaning: "Danger lurks in that forest.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ひそむ" fits here because it means "to hide, to lurk, to be concealed" in the context of: "Danger lurks in that forest.". "匿う" represents "to hide; to shelter; to harbor (a person)".