Translation guide
How to express 'go into hiding' in Japanese, covering physical concealment, disappearing from public life, and related nuances.
The speaker or someone else conceals their location to escape pursuit, arrest, or threat.
A common, neutral phrase meaning to hide oneself, often used when someone is evading authorities or danger.
彼は警察から身を隠した。
He went into hiding from the police.
To lie low or stay in hiding, often for a longer period. Used for fugitives or undercover operations.
犯人は山奥に潜伏している。
The criminal is hiding out in the mountains.
Literally 'to hide behind clouds', meaning to disappear suddenly or vanish from sight. Often used figuratively or in literary contexts.
彼は突然雲隠れした。
He suddenly vanished into thin air.
Someone stops appearing in public, often due to scandal, personal reasons, or a desire for privacy.
To disappear from public view; can be used for celebrities, politicians, or anyone who suddenly stops being seen.
その俳優はスキャンダルの後、姿を消した。
The actor went into hiding after the scandal.
To disappear from the public stage; emphasizes leaving the limelight or public eye.
彼女は表舞台から消えて久しい。
She has been out of the public eye for a long time.
To shut oneself away, often at home. Can imply social withdrawal or hikikomori, but also used for temporary seclusion.
To disappear from society, often for political reasons or to escape persecution.
To go underground, often used for political activists or dissidents hiding from authorities.
活動家たちは地下に潜った。
The activists went underground.
To go into exile; leaving one's country for political reasons. Not exactly hiding, but often related.
彼は国外に亡命した。
He went into exile abroad.
身を隠す is a general term for hiding oneself, while 潜伏する implies a longer, more deliberate period of lying low, often used in criminal or spy contexts.
彼は友人の家に身を隠した。
He hid at a friend's house.
容疑者は数ヶ月間潜伏していた。
The suspect was in hiding for several months.
Do not translate 'go into hiding' literally as 隠れることに行く. Use the phrases provided.
彼は失恋してから部屋に引きこもっている。
He's been hiding away in his room since the breakup.