陰(かげ)で

かげで
expression, adverb
behind someone's back; in secret; covertly
abstract
1. behind someone's back; in secret; covertly
Doing something secretly or without the knowledge of the person involved, often with negative implications.
陰(かげ)で悪口(わるくち)を言(い)う。
To speak ill of someone behind their back.
陰(かげ)で何(なに)をしているかわからない。
You don't know what they're doing in secret.
彼(かれ)は陰(かげ)でこっそり練習(れんしゅう)していたらしい。
Apparently he was secretly practicing behind the scenes.
2. behind the scenes; out of the spotlight
Working or contributing quietly without public recognition, often with positive implications.
陰(かげ)で支(ささ)えてくれた人(ひと)に感謝(かんしゃ)する。
I'm grateful to those who supported me behind the scenes.
成功(せいこう)の陰(かげ)で多(おお)くの人(ひと)が努力(どりょく)していた。
Behind the success, many people were working hard.
表舞台(おもてぶたい)ではなく陰(かげ)で活躍(かつやく)する人(ひと)もいる。
There are people who are active behind the scenes, not in the spotlight.

Used as an adverbial expression meaning either "behind someone's back" (negative nuance) or "behind the scenes" (often positive, implying quiet support). The kanji 陰(かげ) means shadow, shade, or hidden side.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • こっそり: secretly; stealthily — more casual, focuses on the sneaky action
  • 裏(うら)で: behind the scenes; covertly — similar meaning but can imply more scheming
  • 影(かげ)ながら: from the shadows; quietly — a positive variant meaning discreet support

Usage

陰(かげ) (hidden side, shadow) and 影(かげ) (shadow cast by light) are homophones but written with different kanji. In this expression, 陰(かげ) emphasizes the hidden or unseen aspect.

Related Words

Compare: こっそり (secretly)
Compare: 裏(うら)で (behind the scenes)
Compare: 水面下(すいめんか) (below the surface)
general
Added 2026.4.8 2:13 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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