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.
政界の内幕を暴く。
To expose the inner workings of the political world.
会社の内幕を知っている人は少ない。
Few people know what goes on behind the scenes at the company.
元社員が書いた本には、業界の知られざる内幕が赤裸々に描かれていた。
The book written by a former employee candidly depicted the unknown inner workings of the industry.
Composed of 内 (inside) + 幕 (curtain). Literally 'the curtain inside'—what is hidden behind the curtain. Refers to the real, often unsavory truth behind public appearances.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 内幕を暴く: to expose the inside story
- 内幕を明かす: to reveal the inside story
- 内幕を知る: to know the inside story
- 政界の内幕: the inner workings of politics
- 内幕もの: behind-the-scenes story (genre)
READING NOTE:
Also read as ないまく, which has the same meaning but a slightly more formal feel.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 裏側: the other side — more casual; 内幕 implies hidden, potentially scandalous information
- 舞台裏: backstage — can be literal or figurative; 内幕 is always figurative and focuses on hidden truths
- 実態: actual conditions — neutral term for the real state of affairs; 内幕 implies something deliberately hidden