Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Secretly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "secretly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ひそかに
ひそかに (hisoka ni)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
こっそり
こっそり (kossori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "secretly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひそかに and こっそり.
In Japanese, ひそかに (ひそかに (hisoka ni)) is typically associated with "secretly; privately; in private" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies performing an action in a hidden, confidential, or discreet manner, often to avoid attention or detection. 人に知られないように、こっそりと物事を行う様子を表します。.
On the other hand, こっそり (こっそり (kossori)) maps to "secretly, stealthily" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb describing an action done quietly and without being noticed by others.. A literal translation of "secretly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ひそかに"
彼はひそかに研究を続けていた。
He secretly continued his research.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 研究を続けていた。" (Meaning: "He secretly continued his research.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ひそかに" fits here because it means "secretly; privately; in private" in the context of: "He secretly continued his research.". "こっそり" represents "secretly, stealthily".