Entry
こそこそ
kosokoso
Describes acting or speaking in a stealthy, secretive manner to avoid being seen or heard.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used when someone is trying to avoid public attention, often by moving quietly or whispering. It typically carries a suspicious or negative connotation, suggesting that the person is hiding something or doing something illicit.
- Moving secretly to avoid detection.
- Whispering or speaking in private to keep others from hearing.
Sense Map
Action and Movement
Attempting to move without being noticed, often because one is doing something they shouldn't.
こそこそ逃げ出す
Secret Communication
Speaking in a very low voice or whispering to keep the conversation private.
こそこそ噂話をする
Usage Note
How to Use
こそこそする
Acts as a verb meaning to sneak around or act in a secretive, suspicious manner.
こそこそ（と） + verb
Functions as an adverb modifying actions like speaking, moving, or hiding.
こそこそした + noun
Used to describe a noun, characterizing the nature of the action or the person's state.
How to Use
Common Phrases
こそこそ話す
To whisper sneakily
こそこそ隠れる
To hide secretly
こそこそ逃げる
To run away sneakily
こそこそ動く
To move stealthily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Office gossip | Negative | Suggests the talk is inappropriate or mean-spirited. |
| Avoiding work | Negative | Implies the person is being lazy and trying to slip away unnoticed. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
こそこそ こそこそ / similar | Use for continuous, suspicious, or shady actions done in secret. | It doesn't focus on a single successful act of secrecy, but on the ongoing sneaky behavior itself. | 裏口からこそこそ逃げる。 |
こっそり こっそり / similar | Use for a one-time secret action, which can be neutral or even positive (like a surprise). | It lacks the inherent suspicious or negative 'guilty' vibe that the focus term has. | こっそりプレゼントを置く。 |
そっと そっと / similar | Use when doing something quietly or gently to avoid disturbing others. | The focus is on being gentle and quiet, not on hiding a suspicious intent. | そっと部屋を出る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kosokoso for a pleasant surprise party plan.
Use kossori instead. Kosokoso sounds like you are plotting something mean or shady.
Thinking kosokoso only refers to volume.
It refers to the overall behavior and intent to hide. Use sotto if you just mean doing something quietly/gently.
Examples
Examples
二人は部屋の隅でこそこそと話している。
ふたりはへやのすみでこそこそとはなしている。
The two of them are whispering sneakily in the corner of the room.
LiteralDescribes people speaking quietly to avoid being overheard.
子供がお菓子を食べるためにキッチンへこそこそ隠れた。
こどもがおかしをたべるためにキッチンへこそこそかくれた。
The child hid sneakily in the kitchen to eat some snacks.
VisualDescribes sneaky movements to avoid being found by parents.
彼は会議の途中でこそこそと教室を出て行った。
かれはかいぎのとちゅうでこそこそときょうしつをでていった。
He snuck out of the classroom in the middle of the meeting.
LiteralDescribes the effort to leave without drawing attention.
誰かが家の裏でこそこそ動いているのが見えた。
だれかがいえのうらでこそこそうごいているのがみえた。
Someone was seen moving suspiciously behind the house.
VisualEmphasizes a suspicious or ill-intentioned vibe.
上司の悪口をこそこそ言うのはやめなさい。
じょうしのわるぐちをこそこそいうのはやめなさい。
Stop talking bad about your boss behind their back.
FigurativeTalking negatively about someone without their knowledge.
Similar Words
Questions
What is the main difference between kosokoso and kossori?
Kosokoso has a more negative, suspicious nuance and describes ongoing behavior, while kossori is neutral and usually refers to a single action.
Can kosokoso be used in a positive way?
Rarely. It almost always implies that something is being hidden for a less-than-honorable reason.
Is kosokoso a noun?
No, it is an onomatopoeia that functions primarily as an adverb or a suru-verb.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1004420
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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