秘める

• Reading: ひめる
• Romaji: himeru
• Kanji breakdown: 秘 (hi) — secret, conceal, hidden
• Pronunciation: /hi.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To harbour within oneself; to conceal; to keep secret inside. Refers to keeping feelings, intentions, or abilities locked within, unexpressed.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb implying quiet, sustained internal concealment. Unlike 隠す (kakusu, to hide something physically from others), 秘める specifically describes keeping something inside oneself — an emotion, talent, ambition, or pain. The phrase 秘めた情熱 (hidden passion) or 秘めた才能 (concealed talent) appears frequently in literary and journalistic prose. The nuance often carries dignity — restraint rather than deception.

Examples

1. 彼女は胸に深い悲しみを秘めながらも、いつも笑顔で接してくれた。 While harboring deep sadness in her heart, she always greeted others with a smile.
2. その若者は誰も知らない卓越した才能を秘めていた。 That young person possessed remarkable talent that no one knew about.
3. 長年の怒りを秘めて生きてきたが、ついに感情が爆発した。 He had lived for years concealing his anger within, but his emotions finally erupted.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, talent, literature, personal life

Tone: reserved

Origin & History

From 秘 (hi, secret/hidden), related to the concept of sealing something away. The verb form 秘める emerged in literary Japanese to describe the internal act of locking something within oneself — a more personal and sustained concealment than the transitive 隠す.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal