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
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 ひそかに and 密かに.
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, 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 "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 "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 ＿＿＿ 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.". "密かに" represents "secretly, privately, stealthily".