Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hide" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hide", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
隠れる
かくれる (kakureru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
潜める
ひそめる (hisomeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hide" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 隠れる and 潜める.
In Japanese, 隠れる (かくれる (kakureru)) is typically associated with "to hide (oneself), to be hidden (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An intransitive verb. The subject itself takes action to hide, or is in a state of being hidden from view. Often used with particles に or から。.
On the other hand, 潜める (ひそめる (hisomeru)) maps to "to hide, to conceal, to lower (one's voice), to suppress (one's anger)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To make something less noticeable or to keep it hidden. Often used with `声を潜める`. A literal translation of "hide" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "隠れる"
子供たちは鬼ごっこで木陰に隠れた。
The children hid behind the trees during tag.
Bilingual Context for "潜める"
彼女は人目を避けるように身を潜めた。
She hid herself as if avoiding people's gaze.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "子供たちは鬼ごっこで木陰に隠れた。" (Meaning: "The children hid behind the trees during tag.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "隠れる" fits here because it means "to hide (oneself), to be hidden (intransitive)" in the context of: "The children hid behind the trees during tag.". "潜める" represents "to hide, to conceal, to lower (one's voice), to suppress (one's anger)".