こそこそ
こそこそ
adverb, verb (suru)
sneakily, stealthily
1.
sneakily, stealthily, furtively
Acting secretly to avoid being noticed, often with guilty or suspicious connotation.
こそこそ逃げる。
To sneak away.
こそこそ話している。
They're whispering secretively.
こそこそするな。
Stop being sneaky.
こそこそ is a mimetic word describing secretive, furtive, or sneaky behavior.
USAGE:
Usually has a negative connotation, implying someone is doing something suspicious or trying to hide something.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- こそこそする: to act sneakily
- こそこそ話す: to whisper secretively
- こそこそ逃げる: to sneak away
- こそこそ隠れる: to hide furtively
CONTRAST:
- 堂々と: openly, boldly (opposite nuance)
- 密かに: secretly (more neutral/literary)