Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Secretly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "secretly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
こっそり
こっそり (kossori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
密かに
ひそかに (hisokani)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "secretly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between こっそり and 密かに.
In Japanese, こっそり (こっそり (kossori)) is typically associated with "secretly, stealthily" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb describing an action done quietly and without being noticed by others..
On the other hand, 密かに (ひそかに (hisokani)) maps to "secretly, privately, stealthily" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies doing something without others knowing, often with a sense of quietness or concealment, or having a private feeling/thought.. A literal translation of "secretly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "こっそり"
彼は誰にも見つからないように、こっそり部屋を抜け出した。
He secretly slipped out of the room so no one would notice.
Bilingual Context for "密かに"
彼女に密かに恋心を抱いている。
I secretly harbor feelings of love for her.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は誰にも見つからないように、 ＿＿＿ 部屋を抜け出した。" (Meaning: "He secretly slipped out of the room so no one would notice.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "こっそり" fits here because it means "secretly, stealthily" in the context of: "He secretly slipped out of the room so no one would notice.". "密かに" represents "secretly, privately, stealthily".