Translation and Meaning of: 隠す - kakusu

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 隠す (かくす - kakusu). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to animes and mangas. But what does it actually mean? How is it used in practice? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and cultural uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and accurate explanations for those who want to master the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 隠す (かくす): to hide or conceal.

隠す (かくす) is a Japanese verb that means "to hide," "to conceal," or "to disguise." It can be used both in a physical sense, like hiding an object, and in an abstract sense, like concealing feelings or information. For example, if someone says "彼は感情を隠す" (kare wa kanjou o kakusu), it means "he hides his emotions."

One interesting feature of this word is its versatility. Unlike some more specific terms, 隠す can be applied in various situations, from something simple like hiding a gift to more complex contexts, such as concealing the truth. This flexibility makes it quite common in the daily life of the Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 隠す

The kanji 隠 is composed of the radical 阝 (which indicates a relationship with hills or elevations) and 㥯 (an ancient component associated with "protect" or "cover"). Together, they convey the idea of something protected or hidden, as if it were behind a barrier. This construction helps to understand why the verb carries the meaning of concealment.

It is worth noting that 隠す is a group 1 (godan) verb, which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, in the past form, it becomes 隠した (kakushita). Knowing this is essential for those studying Japanese, as it facilitates the formation of correct sentences in the language.

How 隠す is used in Japanese culture

In Japan, the idea of "hiding" or "not exposing too much" is linked to cultural values such as discretion and respect. Therefore, 隠す appears frequently in situations where someone avoids drawing attention or prefers to keep certain things private. A classic example is the expression "本音を隠す" (honne o kakusu), which refers to the act of hiding one's true opinion to maintain social harmony.

Moreover, the word is common in suspense and mystery narratives, such as in books and movies where characters need to hide secrets. If you watch animes, you may have heard phrases like "証拠を隠す" (shouko o kakusu - hide evidence), a cliché in police stories. This type of usage reinforces how the verb is present in different aspects of Japanese communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 隠す

隠す - dictionary
隠します - present formal affirmative
隠しません - formal negative present
隠しています - formal present progressive
隠すな - present informal affirmative
隠さない - informal negative present
隠している - informal present progressive
隠した - affirmative past
隠さなかった - Negative past
隠していた - past progressive

Synonyms and similar words

隠匿する (intoku suru) - Hide or conceal something, especially from an authority.
隠蔽する (inpei suru) - To conceal or disguise information or fact; it generally implies deception.
隠れる (kakureru) - To hide or conceal oneself, often used in the context of hiding from someone.
隠す (kakusu) - Hiding or concealing something from someone can refer to objects or feelings.
秘匿する (hitaku suru) - Protect or keep secret, emphasizing privacy.
秘密にする (himitsu ni suru) - Keep it a secret, specifically referring to information or a fact that one does not want to disclose.