Translation guide
The English noun 'cover-up' refers to an attempt to conceal a mistake, crime, or embarrassing fact. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, from formal scandals to casual hiding of minor faults.
To describe an organized effort to hide illegal or unethical activities, often by authorities or organizations.
The most direct and common term for a cover-up, especially in formal or serious contexts like political scandals or corporate misconduct.
政府は事件の隠蔽を図った。
The government attempted a cover-up of the incident.
その会社は欠陥の隠蔽で告発された。
The company was accused of a cover-up of the defect.
Literally 'to rub out', this verb is often used for covering up scandals or inconvenient truths, implying active suppression.
彼らは不祥事をもみ消そうとした。
They tried to cover up the scandal.
Refers to the act of hiding something or being secretive, often used in the phrase 隠し立てをする.
彼は隠し立てをしているように見える。
He seems to be covering something up.
To express covering up a minor error, embarrassment, or personal failing in everyday situations.
A versatile verb meaning to deceive, gloss over, or cover up a mistake, often by distracting or making excuses.
彼はミスをごまかそうとした。
He tried to cover up his mistake.
笑ってごまかした。
I covered it up by laughing.
To make something vague or sweep it under the rug, often used when a matter is left unresolved or deliberately obscured.
問題をうやむやにした。
They covered up the problem.
To describe the act of hiding an object or covering something with a physical layer.
The basic verb for hiding or concealing something physically.
彼は証拠を隠した。
He covered up the evidence.
To cover something with a physical object, like a cloth or lid.
A compound verb emphasizing complete concealment by covering.
To refer to clothing or makeup used to hide body parts or blemishes.
Used in phrases like 傷を隠す (hide a scar) or 肌を隠す (cover skin).
その服は体型を隠すのにいい。
That outfit is good for covering up your figure.
Loanword from English, often used for makeup or clothing that covers imperfections.
このファンデーションはシミをカバーする。
This foundation covers up age spots.
隠蔽 is a formal noun/verb for systematic cover-ups, often used in news. もみ消す is more colloquial and implies actively suppressing information, like hushing up a scandal.
The English phrase 'cover up' as a verb is not directly translated as カバーアップ. Use the verbs and phrases listed above depending on context.
Means to patch up or gloss over a situation, often to maintain appearances or avoid embarrassment.
彼女はその場を取り繕った。
She covered up the awkward situation.
I covered it up with a cloth.
雪がすべてを覆い隠した。
The snow covered everything up.
Specifically refers to concealer makeup.
ニキビをコンシーラーで隠した。
I covered up the pimple with concealer.