Translation guide
The phrase 'hidden side' refers to an aspect of something that is not immediately apparent or is concealed. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on the context, such as a person's hidden personality, the unseen part of an object, or a secret aspect of a situation.
Referring to a side of someone's personality, emotions, or true nature that is not openly shown.
A common and natural way to say 'hidden side' when talking about a person's character or talent that is not usually seen.
彼には隠れた一面がある。
He has a hidden side.
I was surprised to learn about her hidden side.
Literally 'back face', this refers to a hidden, often darker or secret side of a person, sometimes implying a double life.
彼の裏の顔は誰も知らない。
No one knows his hidden side.
Refers to one's true feelings or intentions, as opposed to 'tatemae' (public facade). It captures the hidden side of what someone really thinks.
彼の本音が聞きたい。
I want to hear his hidden side (true feelings).
A more literary or formal expression meaning 'unknown side', often used in writing or speeches.
この作品は作家の知られざる一面を映し出している。
This work reveals a hidden side of the author.
Describing the side of an object that is not visible, such as the back, underside, or interior.
Directly means 'the side that cannot be seen'. Used for physical objects.
月の見えない側を探査する。
Explore the hidden side of the moon.
箱の見えない側に傷があった。
There was a scratch on the hidden side of the box.
Means 'the other side' or 'reverse side', often used for flat objects like paper, cards, or the back of a building.
Means 'shadow' or 'shade', and can refer to a hidden area behind something, often implying concealment.
建物の陰に隠れた。
He hid on the hidden side of the building.
Referring to the concealed, often negative or unknown part of a broader context, like the dark side of an industry or the hidden truth behind an event.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'hidden aspect', suitable for formal or serious contexts.
この事件の隠された側面を調査する。
Investigate the hidden side of this incident.
Means 'back' or 'reverse', and is commonly used to refer to the hidden, often shady side of things, like 'the dark side' of society.
政治の裏を知る。
Know the hidden side of politics.
彼は会社の裏の事情に詳しい。
He is familiar with the hidden side of the company.
Literally 'darkness', used metaphorically for the hidden, sinister, or illegal side of something.
隠れた一面 (kakureta ichimen) is neutral and can refer to any hidden talent or positive trait. 裏の顔 (ura no kao) often implies a secret, possibly negative or duplicitous side, like a 'Jekyll and Hyde' personality.
彼の隠れた一面はピアノの才能だ。
His hidden side is his talent for piano.
彼の裏の顔は冷酷なビジネスマンだ。
His hidden side is a ruthless businessman.
Avoid directly translating 'hidden side' as 隠れた側 (kakureta gawa) for abstract concepts. While understandable, it is not idiomatic. Use 一面 (ichimen) or 側面 (sokumen) for aspects, and 側 (gawa) for physical sides.
カードの裏側には何が書いてありますか？
What is written on the hidden side of the card?
A documentary that delves into the hidden side of society.