KOSSO-RI こっそり
Meanings
Describes doing something secretly or unobtrusively so that other people will not notice.
Examples
While my wife was away, I secretly…
妻のいない間にこっそり・・・
My mother scolded me, so I secretly drew on the photo of her favorite idol.
母に怒られたので、母の大事にしているアイドルの写真にこっそり落書きをしてやった。
The two of them had been dating secretly without telling anyone at work.
あの二人は職場の誰にも言わずにこっそり付き合っていた。
Dogmatic Opinion
KOSSO-RI describes the actor’s intention not to be noticed. It is therefore subjective, not an objective guarantee that the action is actually hidden.
Someone may believe they are doing something KOSSO-RI while everyone around them has already noticed.
Behind the intention “so that nobody notices” is usually an awareness that what you are about to do is something you want to keep hidden. But the action need not be bad. Preparing a surprise present KOSSO-RI is perfectly natural.
The core image is acting quietly, inconspicuously, or secretly with a particular person or group kept unaware.
Proximate Expression
slink
sneak
stealthily
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
Secretly and without anyone noticing are the most broadly useful translations. Quietly may work when unobtrusiveness matters, while sneakily can fit actions with a mischievous or suspicious flavor. KOSSO-RI itself does not imply wrongdoing.
