内幕(うちまく)

うちまく
noun
inside story; behind the scenes; hidden circumstances
communicationmedia
1. inside story; behind the scenes; hidden truth; inner workings
The hidden truth or real situation behind something that is not publicly known. What goes on behind closed doors.
政界(せいかい)の内幕(うちまく)を暴(あば)く。
To expose the inner workings of the political world.
会社(かいしゃ)の内幕(うちまく)を知(し)っている人(ひと)は少(すく)ない。
Few people know what goes on behind the scenes at the company.
元社員(もとしゃいん)が書(か)いた本(ほん)には、業界(ぎょうかい)の知(し)られざる内幕(うちまく)が赤裸々(せきらら)に描(えが)かれていた。
The book written by a former employee candidly depicted the unknown inner workings of the industry.

Composed of 内(うち) (inside) + 幕(まく) (curtain). Literally 'the curtain inside'—what is hidden behind the curtain. Refers to the real, often unsavory truth behind public appearances.

Common collocations

Pronunciation

Also read as ないまく, which has the same meaning but a slightly more formal feel.

Similar words

  • 裏側(うらがわ): the other side — more casual; 内幕(うちまく) implies hidden, potentially scandalous information
  • 舞台裏(ぶたいうら): backstage — can be literal or figurative; 内幕(うちまく) is always figurative and focuses on hidden truths
  • 実態(じったい): actual conditions — neutral term for the real state of affairs; 内幕(うちまく) implies something deliberately hidden

Related Words

Compare: 裏側(うらがわ) (the other side)
Compare: 舞台裏(ぶたいうら) (backstage)
Compare: 実態(じったい) (actual conditions)
Related: 裏話(うらばなし) (behind-the-scenes story, inside story)
Compare: 内情(ないじょう) (internal affairs)
general
Added 2026.4.5 3:24 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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