Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
隠す
かくす (kakusu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ひそむ
ひそむ (hisomu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 隠す and ひそむ.
In Japanese, 隠す (かくす (kakusu)) is typically associated with "to hide (something), to conceal (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A transitive verb. The subject performs an action to hide an *object* or *information* from view or knowledge. Often used with particles を or に。.
On the other hand, ひそむ (ひそむ (hisomu)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "hide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "隠す"
彼女はプレゼントを棚の奥に隠した。
She hid the present deep in the shelf.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女はプレゼントを棚の奥に隠した。" (Meaning: "She hid the present deep in the shelf.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "隠す" fits here because it means "to hide (something), to conceal (transitive)" in the context of: "She hid the present deep in the shelf.". "ひそむ" represents "to hide, to lurk, to be concealed".