1.
behind something; in the shadow of an object; cover
The area hidden behind an object, where one cannot easily be seen. Often used to describe hiding or observing from behind objects. Composed of 物 (thing/object) + 陰 (shadow/shade).
物陰に隠れる。
To hide behind something.
猫が物陰から様子をうかがっていた。
A cat was watching from behind cover.
不審な人物が物陰に潜んでいるのを見かけた。
I spotted a suspicious person lurking in the shadows.
USAGE:
物陰 refers to the concealed area behind any object — a wall, a tree, a pillar, etc. It is often associated with hiding, lurking, or watching secretly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 物陰に隠れる (hide behind something)
- 物陰に潜む (lurk in the shadows)
- 物陰から覗く (peek from behind something)
- 物陰から飛び出す (jump out from behind something)
SIMILAR WORDS:
陰 alone means "shadow" or "shade" and is broader. 木陰 specifically means "shade of a tree." 物陰 implies concealment behind a physical object.