1.
secrecy; acting in secret
Doing something covertly, without others knowing. Used as a な-adjective to describe secret actions or operations.
隠密に調査を進める。
To conduct the investigation secretly.
隠密に計画が進行していた。
The plan was proceeding in secret.
この作戦は隠密に行う必要がある。
This operation needs to be carried out covertly.
2.
spy; undercover agent; secret inspector
A person sent on a covert mission, especially in the Edo period. Refers to agents employed by the shogunate or feudal lords to gather intelligence or conduct surveillance.
将軍は隠密を各地に送った。
The shogun dispatched spies throughout the land.
時代劇では隠密が活躍する話が多い。
In period dramas, stories featuring secret agents are common.
隠密として敵の城に潜入した。
He infiltrated the enemy castle as a spy.
USAGE:
Sense 1: Used as 隠密に (secretly, covertly) or 隠密の + noun. More formal and literary than 秘密に.
Sense 2: In historical contexts, refers to Edo-period intelligence agents. A staple of 時代劇 (period dramas).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 隠密に行動する (to act covertly)
- 隠密裏に (behind the scenes, secretly)
- 隠密行動 (covert action)
SIMILAR WORDS:
秘密 (secret) is the everyday word, while 隠密 is more formal and literary. As a noun meaning 'spy,' 隠密 is specifically associated with the Edo period, unlike the modern スパイ.