1.
to keep secret, to hide within oneself, to harbor
To conceal something — often feelings, thoughts, or intentions — within oneself rather than expressing or revealing them. Frequently used in literary and emotional contexts.
胸に秘めた思い。
Feelings hidden in one's heart.
この土地は不思議な力を秘めている。
This land harbors a mysterious power.
あの選手は大きな可能性を秘めていると言われている。
That athlete is said to harbor great potential.
USAGE:
秘める often describes something concealed within a person or thing that has not yet been revealed. It has a literary, slightly elevated tone and is common in novels and formal speech.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 胸に秘める: to keep in one's heart
- 思いを秘める: to harbor feelings
- 可能性を秘める: to hold potential
- 力を秘める: to harbor power
- 秘めた決意: hidden determination
SIMILAR WORDS:
隠す is a more everyday word for hiding or concealing things physically or metaphorically. 秘める emphasizes keeping something deep within, often feelings or potential, and carries a more literary tone.