こっそり

• Reading: こっそり
• Romaji: kossori
• Pronunciation: /ko.sso.ɾi/

Meaning

Stealthily; secretly; in secret. Describes doing something quietly so as not to be noticed.

A mimetic adverb describing an action performed furtively, trying not to attract attention. Can be playful (こっそりお菓子を食べる — secretly eating sweets) or serious (こっそり抜け出す — sneaking out). Does not necessarily imply malicious intent — often used for minor, everyday secretiveness. Similar to ひそかに (secretly) but more colloquial and vivid. Frequently pairs with verbs of movement or consumption.

Examples

1. 子どもがこっそりお菓子を食べていた。 The child was secretly eating snacks.
2. 会議中にこっそり部屋を抜け出した。 I snuck out of the room during the meeting.
3. 彼はこっそりサプライズパーティーを準備した。 He secretly prepared a surprise party.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, children, surprises

Tone: playful

Origin & History

A Japanese mimetic word (擬態語) conveying the quality of quiet, furtive movement. The small っ (geminate consonant) adds a sense of compression and hushed quickness, mirroring the restrained motion of someone trying not to be noticed.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal