潜る en 30 segundos

  • 潜る means to dive underwater or to hide/slip into something.
  • Used for literal diving and figurative hiding or secretive entry.
  • Common in discussions about marine activities, spy stories, and avoiding attention.
  • Distinguish from 泳ぐ (swim) and 隠れる (hide).
Literal Meaning
The primary meaning of 潜る (moguru) is to go underwater. This is most commonly used when talking about swimming, diving, or any activity where one submerges themselves in water. For example, you might say you are going to 潜る when you plan to go snorkeling or scuba diving. It can also refer to objects going underwater, like a submarine 潜る or a dropped item 潜る.
Figurative Meaning
Beyond the literal sense, 潜る has a figurative meaning of hiding, concealing oneself, or slipping into something unnoticed. This could be hiding in a crowd, slipping into a restricted area, or even metaphorically 'diving into' a task or a new role. Think of it as disappearing from view or entering a space discreetly. For instance, a shy person might 潜る into the background at a party, or a journalist might 潜る into a secret meeting to gather information.
Contexts of Use
You will hear 潜る in various contexts. In discussions about leisure activities, it's common: 'Let's go to the beach and 潜る.' In news reports, it might be used for submarines: 'The submarine will 潜る for a test run.' In stories or everyday conversation, it can describe hiding: 'The child 潜る behind the curtain.' It can also be used for entering a place secretly: 'The spy 潜る into the enemy's base.' The word is quite versatile and its meaning is usually clear from the surrounding context.
Examples
A diver might say, 'I'm going to 潜る to see the coral reef.' A child playing hide-and-seek might 潜る behind a large tree. A news report might mention a ship 潜る in rough seas. A detective might investigate how a suspect managed to 潜る into a secure building.

子供が水に潜る練習をしています。

The child is practicing diving into the water.
Basic Sentence Structure
The verb 潜る (moguru) is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. It usually follows a subject and is often accompanied by a particle like に (ni) or へ (e) to indicate the location or destination of the submersion or hiding. The typical sentence pattern is: Subject + に/へ + 潜る (Verb). For example, 'I dive into the water' would be 私は水に潜る (Watashi wa mizu ni moguru).
Using with Locations
When referring to going underwater, the particle に is commonly used with the location. 'The fish 潜る in the river' becomes 魚は川に潜る (Sakana wa kawa ni moguru). If you are hiding somewhere, you might say 'I 潜る in my room': 私は部屋に潜る (Watashi wa heya ni moguru). This structure clearly indicates the place where the action occurs.
Figurative Usage Examples
In its figurative sense, 潜る can also be used with particles like into or within. For instance, 'He 潜る into the crowd' could be 彼は人混みに潜る (Kare wa hitogomi ni moguru). 'She 潜る into her work' might be 彼女は仕事に潜る (Kanojo wa shigoto ni moguru). These examples show how the verb can describe entering a situation or environment, whether physically or metaphorically.
Verb Conjugations
Like most Japanese verbs, 潜る conjugates. The plain form is 潜る. The polite form is 潜ります (mogurimasu). The past tense is 潜った (mogutta) or 潜りました (mogurimashita). The te-form, used for connecting clauses or requesting, is 潜って (mogutte). Understanding these conjugations is key to using the verb correctly in various grammatical structures.
Complex Sentences
You can combine 潜る with other grammatical elements. For example, 'While diving, I saw a strange fish' could be 潜っている間に、変な魚を見た (Mogutte iru aida ni, hen na sakana o mita). Or, 'He plans to 潜る into the forest to hide' might be 彼は隠れるために森に潜るつもりだ (Kare wa kakureru tame ni mori ni moguru tsumori da). These demonstrate the verb's flexibility.

潜水艦が海に潜る

The submarine dives into the sea.
Ocean and Marine Activities
This is perhaps the most common place to hear 潜る. Conversations about scuba diving, snorkeling, free diving, and even just swimming in the ocean will frequently use this word. You might hear a dive instructor say, 'We will 潜る to a depth of 20 meters,' or a friend planning a beach trip might exclaim, 'I want to 潜る and see the colorful fish!'
News and Documentaries
In news reports, especially those concerning naval activities, submarines, or underwater exploration, 潜る is a standard term. 'A new submarine will 潜る for its maiden voyage,' or 'Researchers 潜る to study deep-sea creatures.' Nature documentaries about marine life will also extensively use this verb to describe the behavior of fish, whales, or other aquatic animals.
Spy and Mystery Genres
The figurative meaning of hiding or slipping into places makes 潜る a staple in spy thrillers, detective stories, and even some video games. You might hear characters talking about a spy who '潜る into enemy territory,' or a criminal who '潜る into the shadows' to escape. This usage adds a sense of stealth and intrigue.
Children's Stories and Games
For younger audiences, 潜る is often used in stories about animals playing or hiding, like a duck 潜る under the water or a frog 潜る into a pond. In games like hide-and-seek, children might shout 'I'm going to 潜る!' as they find a hiding spot.
Everyday Conversations about Hiding
Even in casual conversation, if someone is trying to avoid being seen or wants to disappear for a moment, they might use 潜る. For example, 'I'm tired of talking, I want to 潜る for a bit,' meaning they want to withdraw or be alone. Or, 'He 潜る into the back of the room to avoid the spotlight.' This usage is less common but still occurs.

ドキュメンタリーで、魚がサンゴ礁の陰に潜る様子が映し出されていた。

In the documentary, the fish were shown diving into the shade of the coral reef.
Confusing with 'Swim' (泳ぐ)
A common mistake for learners is to use 潜る when they simply mean 'to swim' (泳ぐ, oyogu). While swimming often involves submerging, 潜る specifically refers to going *under* the water surface, not just moving through it. If you are swimming on the surface, you use 泳ぐ. If you are diving down, you use 潜る. For example, saying 'I 潜る in the pool' when you mean you are just swimming laps on the surface is incorrect; it should be '私はプールで泳ぐ' (Watashi wa puuru de oyogu).
Using it as a Transitive Verb
潜る is an intransitive verb. This means it does not take a direct object marked by the particle を (o). Learners sometimes mistakenly try to form sentences like 'I 潜る the fish' (魚を潜る, sakana o moguru), which is grammatically incorrect. If you want to say you are diving to catch fish, you would say something like '魚を捕るために水に潜る' (Sakana o toru tame ni mizu ni moguru - To catch fish, I dive into the water).
Misinterpreting Figurative Use
The figurative meanings of hiding or slipping into something can be tricky. Learners might overuse it in situations where a more direct verb for 'hide' (隠れる, kakureru) or 'enter' (入る, hairu) would be more appropriate. For example, saying 'I 潜る into my house' when you mean you simply entered your house is unusual; 入る is better. 潜る implies a more secretive or discreet entry, or a deeper immersion.
Ignoring Particles
The particle used with 潜る is important. While に is the most common particle indicating the location of submersion or hiding (e.g., 水に潜る, 部屋に潜る), learners might forget it or use the wrong one. This can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences. Always remember to include a particle that specifies where the action of diving or hiding is taking place.
Overgeneralization of 'Hiding'
While 潜る can mean hiding, it often implies a more active or deliberate concealment, or slipping into a situation. For simple hiding behind an object, 隠れる might be more natural. For instance, saying 'The cat 潜る under the bed' might be better expressed as '猫がベッドの下に隠れた' (Neko ga beddo no shita ni kakureta) if the cat is just staying there, whereas 潜る might suggest the cat actively burrowed or disappeared into a hidden spot.

間違い:私は魚を潜る

Mistake: I dive the fish.
泳ぐ (oyogu) - To Swim
This is the most common alternative when referring to water activities. 泳ぐ means to move through water by using one's limbs. 潜る specifically means to go *under* the water surface, while 泳ぐ refers to the general act of swimming, which can be on the surface or involve brief periods of submersion. You 泳ぐ in a pool, but you 潜る to see fish underwater.
隠れる (kakureru) - To Hide
When the meaning is about concealment, 隠れる is often a more direct and common verb. 潜る can imply hiding by slipping into a place or submerging oneself, often with a sense of stealth or disappearing. 隠れる is a more general term for hiding from view, whether behind something, under something, or simply out of sight.
入る (hairu) - To Enter
For the meaning of entering a place, 入る is the standard verb. 潜る is used when the entry is characterized by stealth, secrecy, or a slipping in, rather than a direct or open entrance. For example, you 入る a building, but a spy might 潜る into a secret facility.
沈む (shizumu) - To Sink
沈む means to go down in water, typically due to weight or loss of buoyancy, often implying uncontrollably. 潜る is an intentional act of going underwater. A ship might 沈む if it's damaged, but a submarine 潜る intentionally. An object might 沈む if dropped, while a diver 潜る.
忍び込む (shinobikomu) - To Sneak In
This verb specifically means to sneak into a place, often illegally or without permission. It's very close to the figurative meaning of 潜る when used for stealthy entry. However, 潜る can be broader, encompassing slipping into situations or crowds, not just physical locations. 忍び込む is more focused on the act of secret entry into a confined space.
潜伏する (senpuku suru) - To Lie Hidden, To Be In Hiding
This is a more formal verb often used in contexts like espionage, crime, or disease outbreaks. It means to remain hidden or concealed for a period, often with the intention of acting later. While 潜る can imply hiding, 潜伏する suggests a prolonged state of concealment. A spy might 潜伏する in a city, or a virus might 潜伏する in a host.

水面で泳ぐのと、水中に潜るのは違う。

Swimming on the surface and diving underwater are different.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The kanji 潜 (sen) is also used in other words related to hiding or going deep, such as 潜水 (sensui - diving) and 潜伏 (senpuku - hiding). This shows a consistent semantic field around the concept of going beneath the surface or into concealment.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /mɔɡɯɾɯ/
US /moʊɡuɾu/
There is no strong stress on any particular syllable in standard Japanese pronunciation. The syllables are generally pronounced with equal emphasis.
Rima con
潜る (moguru) 潜る (moguru) 潜る (moguru) 潜る (moguru) 潜る (moguru) 潜る (moguru) 潜る (moguru) 潜る (moguru)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the final 'u' too strongly.
  • Mispronouncing the 'g' sound, making it too hard or too soft.
  • Adding unnecessary stress to a specific syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The literal meaning is straightforward. The figurative meanings require understanding context and nuance, which can be challenging for intermediate learners. Recognizing the difference between 潜る and similar verbs like 隠れる or 入る is key.

Escritura 3/5
Expresión oral 3/5
Escucha 3/5

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

水 (mizu) - water 海 (umi) - sea 魚 (sakana) - fish 隠れる (kakureru) - to hide 泳ぐ (oyogu) - to swim

Aprende después

潜水 (sensui) - diving 潜水艦 (sensuikan) - submarine 潜伏 (senpuku) - hiding/concealment 潜入 (sennyuu) - infiltration

Avanzado

深海 (shinkai) - deep sea 密航 (mikkou) - stowaway 暗躍 (an'yaku) - secret activity/scheming

Gramática que debes saber

The use of particles に and へ with verbs of motion/direction.

私は海に潜る (Watashi wa umi ni moguru) - I dive into the sea. The particle に indicates the destination of the action.

The te-form of verbs for connecting clauses or describing sequential/concurrent actions.

彼は息を止めて水に潜った (Kare wa iki o tomete mizu ni mogutta) - He held his breath and dived into the water.

Nominalization using 〜の (no) or 〜こと (koto) to turn verbs into noun phrases.

潜るのが好きです (Moguru no ga suki desu) - I like diving.

Expressing intention using 〜つもりだ (tsumori da).

明日、川に潜るつもりです (Ashita, kawa ni moguru tsumori desu) - I plan to dive in the river tomorrow.

Distinguishing between intransitive and transitive verbs.

潜る is intransitive (doesn't take を), unlike verbs like 食べる (taberu - to eat).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

魚が水に潜った。

The fish dived into the water.

Past tense of 潜る.

2

子供はプールに潜るのが好きです。

The child likes to dive into the pool.

Using に with 潜る to indicate location.

3

カメが岩の下に潜った。

The turtle hid under a rock.

Figurative use for hiding.

4

海に潜ってみたい。

I want to try diving in the sea.

Using 〜てみたい to express a desire to try something.

5

彼は物陰に潜った。

He hid behind something.

Figurative use for hiding.

6

潜水艦が海に潜る。

The submarine dives into the sea.

Present tense, common context for submarines.

7

鳥が水に潜って魚を捕まえた。

The bird dived into the water and caught a fish.

Using the te-form to connect actions.

8

水に潜ったら、きれいな魚が見えた。

When I dived into the water, I saw beautiful fish.

Using 〜たら to indicate a conditional or temporal relationship.

1

ダイバーはサンゴ礁に潜る

Divers dive near the coral reef.

Present tense, general statement about divers.

2

彼は人混みに潜るようにして、会場に入った。

He entered the venue by slipping into the crowd.

Figurative use: slipping into a place by blending in.

3

問題から潜ることはできない。

You cannot hide from the problem.

Figurative use: avoiding or hiding from a situation.

4

子供たちは水中に潜って遊んでいた。

The children were playing by diving underwater.

Te-form used to describe concurrent actions.

5

その猫はいつもソファの下に潜る

That cat always hides under the sofa.

Figurative use for hiding in a confined space.

6

彼は秘密裏に情報収集のため、その組織に潜った

He secretly infiltrated the organization for information gathering.

Past tense, figurative use for infiltration.

7

水深が深い場所では、潜るのに特別な訓練が必要だ。

In deep water, special training is necessary for diving.

Using a noun phrase with 潜る.

8

船が港に潜るようにして、姿を消した。

The ship disappeared as if it had dived into the harbor.

Figurative comparison for disappearing.

1

彼は深海探査のため、最新技術を駆使して潜る計画を立てている。

He is planning to dive using the latest technology for deep-sea exploration.

Using 〜計画を立てている (planning to).

2

スパイは敵の基地に潜伏し、情報を盗み出した。

The spy infiltrated the enemy base and stole information.

Using 潜伏する (senpuku suru) - to lie hidden/infiltrate, a related formal verb.

3

この地域では、政治的な理由で多くの人々が潜ることを余儀なくされている。

In this region, many people are forced to go into hiding for political reasons.

Figurative use: forced hiding due to circumstances.

4

水中カメラマンは、珍しい生物を撮影するために、何時間も水中に潜っている。

Underwater photographers are diving underwater for hours to film rare creatures.

Te-form indicating duration of action.

5

彼は突然の質問攻めに潜るようにして、沈黙を守った。

He remained silent, as if diving away from the barrage of sudden questions.

Metaphorical use: withdrawing from a difficult situation.

6

その潜水艦は、敵の目を欺くために、定期的に深海に潜る

The submarine periodically dives into the deep sea to deceive the enemy's eyes.

Common context for submarines; adverbial phrase for purpose.

7

彼は、自身の過去の過ちから潜るかのように、新しい生活を始めた。

He started a new life, as if trying to escape from his past mistakes.

Metaphorical use: escaping or hiding from one's past.

8

この水域は、多くの種類の魚が潜む場所として知られている。

This water area is known as a place where many types of fish hide.

Using 潜む (hisomu) - to lurk, to hide, a related verb with a similar nuance of concealment.

1

その潜水艇は、水圧に耐え、未知の深海生物を観察するために潜る

The submersible dives to withstand water pressure and observe unknown deep-sea creatures.

Using 〜ために to express purpose.

2

彼は、組織の内部に潜入し、不正行為の証拠を集める任務を負った。

He was tasked with infiltrating the organization and gathering evidence of misconduct.

Using 潜入する (sennyuu suru) - to infiltrate, a formal verb related to 潜る's figurative meaning.

3

社会の不条理から目を潜ることは、問題解決を遅らせるだけだ。

Closing one's eyes to societal absurdities only delays problem-solving.

Metaphorical use: avoiding or ignoring difficult realities.

4

水中考古学者は、沈没船の調査のために、しばしば困難な環境下で潜り続ける。

Underwater archaeologists continue to dive in often difficult conditions to investigate shipwrecks.

Using 〜続ける (tsuzukeru) to indicate continuation of an action.

5

彼は、自身の内なる葛藤から潜るかのように、ひたすら仕事に没頭した。

He immersed himself in work, as if trying to dive away from his inner conflicts.

Metaphorical use: using work as an escape from psychological struggles.

6

この地域は、かつて秘密裏に活動していた組織が潜伏していた場所として知られている。

This area is known as a place where an organization once operated covertly.

Using 潜伏する (senpuku suru) in a historical context.

7

環境保護活動家は、海洋汚染の実態を明らかにするため、汚染された海域に潜ることも厭わない。

Environmental activists do not hesitate to dive into polluted waters to expose the reality of marine pollution.

Using 〜ことも厭わない (itowanai) - to not mind doing something.

8

彼は、世間の注目から潜るようにして、静かな田舎町で隠遁生活を送っていた。

He lived a reclusive life in a quiet country town, as if trying to hide from public attention.

Metaphorical use: seeking anonymity and seclusion.

1

その潜水艦は、敵のレーダー網を回避するため、数週間にわたり深海に潜伏し続ける。

The submarine continues to remain submerged in the deep sea for several weeks to evade enemy radar nets.

Using 潜伏し続ける (senpuku shitsuzukeru) - to continue to lie hidden.

2

政治亡命者は、追っ手から身を隠すため、偽装して潜ることを余儀なくされた。

The political refugee was forced to go into hiding under disguise to escape pursuers.

Figurative use: forced hiding with disguise.

3

彼は、自身のキャリアにおけるスキャンダルから潜るために、一時的に公の場から姿を消した。

He temporarily disappeared from public view to escape the scandal in his career.

Metaphorical use: escaping negative public attention.

4

水中ドローンは、これまで人間のダイバーが潜り得なかった、極限環境での調査を可能にした。

Underwater drones have made exploration possible in extreme environments where human divers could not previously dive.

Using 〜得なかった (eなかった) - could not.

5

彼女は、複雑な人間関係の網から潜るかのように、社交界から距離を置いた。

She distanced herself from social circles, as if trying to dive away from the web of complex human relationships.

Metaphorical use: withdrawing from complicated social dynamics.

6

その犯罪組織は、当局の目を欺くため、都市の地下網に長期間潜伏していた。

The criminal organization remained hidden in the city's underground network for a long time to deceive the authorities.

Using 潜伏する for prolonged hidden activity in a specific location.

7

彼は、自身の哲学的な探求において、しばしば抽象的な概念の深淵に潜る

In his philosophical inquiries, he often dives into the abyss of abstract concepts.

Highly metaphorical use: delving into complex abstract thought.

8

その作家は、登場人物の心理の深層に潜り、人間の複雑な感情を描き出した。

The author delved into the depths of the characters' psychology, depicting complex human emotions.

Metaphorical use: deep exploration of psychological states.

1

潜水艦は、敵の監視網を完全に欺くため、長期間にわたり海底の隠蔽された地形に潜伏し、戦略的優位を確保した。

The submarine remained hidden in the concealed terrain of the seabed for an extended period to completely deceive the enemy's surveillance network and secure strategic advantage.

Complex sentence structure with advanced vocabulary and figurative usage.

2

彼は、社会の欺瞞と偽善から潜るかのように、自らを哲学的な思索の深淵に没入させた。

He immersed himself in the abyss of philosophical contemplation, as if attempting to dive away from the deception and hypocrisy of society.

Highly abstract and metaphorical use, conveying a profound sense of withdrawal.

3

その芸術家は、現代社会の消費主義の奔流から潜ることを試み、ミニマリズムと内省に重きを置いた作品を制作した。

The artist attempted to dive away from the torrent of consumerism in modern society, creating works emphasizing minimalism and introspection.

Metaphorical use: escaping societal pressures through artistic expression.

4

潜水艇は、深海溝の極限環境下で、これまで知られていなかった微生物群集が潜む可能性を調査するため、特殊な探査ミッションに潜った

The submersible dived on a special exploration mission to investigate the possibility of unknown microbial communities lurking in the extreme environment of the deep-sea trench.

Combines literal diving with the concept of lurking organisms.

5

彼は、自身のトラウマの根源から潜ることを避け、その苦痛と向き合うことで、真の癒しへの道を模索した。

Avoiding diving into the roots of his trauma, he sought a path to true healing by confronting that pain.

Metaphorical use: confronting rather than avoiding deep-seated psychological issues.

6

その潜水艦は、敵の哨戒網の目を掻い潜るため、意図的に水深の浅い、航行困難な海域に潜行した。

The submarine intentionally submerged into shallow, difficult-to-navigate waters to evade the enemy's patrol net.

Using 潜行 (senkou) - to submerge/go underwater stealthily, a more specific verb for submarines.

7

彼女は、自己啓発の旅において、しばしば自己認識の深淵に潜り、自身の内面と深く対峙した。

On her journey of self-development, she often dived into the abyss of self-awareness, confronting her inner self deeply.

Highly metaphorical use: deep introspection and self-discovery.

8

この小説は、登場人物たちが抱える複雑な葛藤や社会的な抑圧から潜るかのような、暗く重厚なテーマを扱っている。

This novel deals with dark and profound themes, as if the characters are diving away from the complex conflicts and societal oppressions they face.

Metaphorical use describing the thematic depth of a literary work.

Colocaciones comunes

海に潜る (umi ni moguru)
水に潜る (mizu ni moguru)
深く潜る (fukaku moguru)
秘密裏に潜る (himitsu-ri ni moguru)
物陰に潜る (monokage ni moguru)
人混みに潜る (hitogomi ni moguru)
川に潜る (kawa ni moguru)
船が潜る (fune ga moguru)
本に潜る (hon ni moguru)
仕事に潜る (shigoto ni moguru)

Frases Comunes

水に潜る (mizu ni moguru)

— To dive into water. This is the most literal and common usage.

子供たちが楽しそうに水に潜っていた。

海に潜る (umi ni moguru)

— To dive in the sea. Often implies snorkeling or scuba diving.

ダイビングライセンスを取って、海に潜るのが夢です。

物陰に潜る (monokage ni moguru)

— To hide behind something or in a hidden spot.

かくれんぼで、彼は大きな木の陰に潜った。

身を潜める (mi o hisomeru)

— To conceal oneself, to lie low. This is a more general phrase for hiding.

犯人は警察の手を逃れるために身を潜めている。

潜水艦が潜る (sensuikan ga moguru)

— A submarine dives. This is a standard phrase for naval operations.

最新鋭の潜水艦が極秘任務のために潜った。

問題に潜る (mondai ni moguru)

— To dive into a problem, meaning to deeply engage with or study a problem.

彼はその難解な数学の問題に深く潜った。

世間から潜る (seken kara moguru)

— To withdraw from society, to hide from the public eye.

有名人がスキャンダルの後、世間から潜るように静かに暮らしている。

本の世界に潜る (hon no sekai ni moguru)

— To immerse oneself in the world of a book, to become engrossed in reading.

読書に夢中になり、まるで本の世界に潜っているかのようだ。

眠りに潜る (nemuri ni moguru)

— To fall into a deep sleep.

一日の疲れ果てて、彼はすぐに眠りに潜った。

闇に潜む (yami ni hisomu)

— To lurk in the darkness. This is a related phrase using a similar concept of hiddenness.

何かが闇に潜んでいて、不気味な気配がした。

Se confunde a menudo con

潜る vs 泳ぐ (oyogu)

泳ぐ means to swim, generally moving through water. 潜る specifically means to go underwater. You can 泳ぐ without fully submerging, but you 潜る to go beneath the surface.

潜る vs 隠れる (kakureru)

隠れる is a general term for hiding. 潜る can imply hiding by submerging or slipping away into a place, often with more active or secretive intent.

潜る vs 沈む (shizumu)

沈む means to sink, usually unintentionally. 潜る is an intentional act of going underwater.

Modismos y expresiones

"水面下で暗躍する (suimenka de an'yaku suru)"

— To operate secretly behind the scenes, to plot or scheme covertly. This idiom uses the 'under the surface' idea from 潜る.

政治的な陰謀は、水面下で暗躍する者たちによって進められた。

"深淵に潜む (shin'en ni hisomu)"

— To lurk in the abyss, to hide in the depths. This idiom evokes a sense of deep, hidden danger or mystery.

その物語は、人間の心の深淵に潜む恐怖を描いている。

"世間の目から潜る (seken no me kara moguru)"

— To hide from the public eye, to avoid scrutiny. This is a figurative use of 潜る.

彼はスキャンダル後、世間の目から潜るようにして姿を消した。

"本質に潜る (honshitsu ni moguru)"

— To delve into the essence of something, to get to the core of a matter. This is a metaphorical use for deep investigation.

この研究は、問題の本質に潜ることを目指している。

"闇に潜む (yami ni hisomu)"

— To lurk in the darkness. Similar to 潜る, it implies hiddenness and often danger.

夜の森では、何かが闇に潜んでいるような気がした。

"沈黙に潜る (chinmoku ni moguru)"

— To fall into silence, to become silent. This is a metaphorical use for a sudden cessation of speech or sound.

突然の質問に、彼は沈黙に潜った。

"仮想空間に潜る (kasou kuukan ni moguru)"

— To dive into virtual space, to enter the metaverse or a virtual reality environment.

多くの若者が、現実逃避のために仮想空間に潜っている。

"過去に潜る (kako ni moguru)"

— To delve into the past, to reminisce or research past events.

彼は古い写真を見ながら、過去に潜るかのように思い出に浸った。

"隠れ蓑を潜る (kakuremino o moguru)"

— To hide behind a pretext or excuse. This idiom implies using something as a shield to conceal one's true intentions.

彼は「忙しい」という隠れ蓑を潜って、会議を避けた。

"水底に潜む (minazoko ni hisomu)"

— To lurk at the bottom of the water. Similar to 潜る, emphasizing hiddenness in a deep aquatic environment.

その湖の底には、古代の秘密が水底に潜んでいると言われている。

Fácil de confundir

潜る vs 潜る (moguru)

Shares the concept of going 'under' or 'into' something, and can imply hiding.

潜る is primarily about submerging in water or actively slipping/hiding into a place. It's an intentional action. 隠れる is a more general term for being out of sight. 沈む is about sinking, usually involuntarily.

ダイバーは海に潜る (Diver dives in the sea). 猫は箱に隠れる (Cat hides in a box). 船は嵐で沈む (Ship sinks in a storm).

潜る vs 潜る (moguru)

Both relate to going deep or into something.

潜る is about submerging in water or actively hiding/slipping into a place. 潜入する (sennyuu suru) is a more formal verb specifically meaning to infiltrate, often into enemy territory or a restricted area, implying a more organized or strategic entry.

スパイは敵の基地に潜入した (Spy infiltrated enemy base). 彼は人混みに潜った (He slipped into the crowd).

潜る vs 潜る (moguru)

Both involve being underwater.

潜る is the act of diving or going underwater. 潜水 (sensui) is the noun 'diving' or 'submersion', or the verb 'to dive'. 潜る is the verb form of the action itself.

スキューバダイビングをするために海に潜る (To do scuba diving, one dives in the sea). 潜水は危険なスポーツだ (Diving is a dangerous sport).

潜る vs 潜る (moguru)

Both imply hiddenness.

潜る can mean to hide by submerging or slipping into a place. 潜伏する (senpuku suru) is a more formal term meaning to lie hidden or in hiding for a period, often for strategic or clandestine purposes. It implies a state of being hidden rather than just the act of entering a hidden state.

彼は一時的に世間から潜る (He temporarily hid from the public). 犯人は長期間潜伏していた (The criminal remained hidden for a long time).

潜る vs 潜る (moguru)

Both relate to going underwater.

潜る is the general verb for diving or going underwater. 潜行する (senkou suru) is a more specific verb often used for submarines or other vessels moving stealthily underwater. It emphasizes the stealthy or hidden movement beneath the surface.

潜水艦が海に潜る (Submarine dives in the sea). 潜水艦は敵の目を盗んで潜行した (The submarine submerged stealthily, stealing away from enemy eyes).

Patrones de oraciones

A1

〜に潜る

子供は水に潜る。

A1

〜が潜る

魚が水に潜る。

A2

〜て潜る

息を止めて潜る。

A2

〜に潜る (figurative)

彼は人混みに潜る。

B1

〜潜るつもりだ

海に潜るつもりだ。

B1

〜潜るのを〜

潜るのが好きです。

B2

〜ために潜る

調査するために潜る。

C1

〜潜るかのように

過去に潜るかのように。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

潜水 (sensui) - diving, submersible
潜水艦 (sensuikan) - submarine
潜伏 (senpuku) - hiding, concealment

Verbos

潜る (moguru) - to dive, to hide
潜む (hisomu) - to lurk, to hide
潜水する (sensui suru) - to dive
潜伏する (senpuku suru) - to lie hidden
潜入する (sennyuu suru) - to infiltrate

Relacionado

潜水 (sensui)
潜水艦 (sensuikan)
潜伏 (senpuku)
潜入 (sennyuu)
潜行 (senkou)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common

Errores comunes
  • Using 潜る when simply meaning 'to swim'. 泳ぐ (oyogu)

    潜る means to dive or go underwater. If you are just swimming on the surface, use 泳ぐ. For example, 'I swim in the pool' is 'プールで泳ぐ', not 'プールに潜る'.

  • Treating 潜る as a transitive verb (using を). Use に or context to indicate the object of submersion/hiding.

    潜る is an intransitive verb. You don't 'dive something'. You dive 'into' something. For example, 'I dive into the water' is '水に潜る', not '水を潜る'.

  • Confusing 潜る with 沈む (shizumu). 潜る (intentional dive), 沈む (unintentional sink).

    潜る is an active, intentional action of going underwater. 沈む means to sink, usually due to weight or damage, and is often involuntary. A submarine 潜る, but a damaged ship 沈む.

  • Overusing 潜る for any type of hiding. Use 隠れる (kakureru) for general hiding.

    While 潜る can mean to hide, it often implies a more active or stealthy concealment, like slipping into a place or submerging. For simple hiding behind an object, 隠れる is often more natural.

  • Forgetting the particle に (ni) when indicating location. Subject + に + 潜る

    The particle に is crucial for specifying where the action of diving or hiding takes place. Forgetting it can lead to grammatical errors. Example: '彼は部屋に潜った' (He hid in the room).

Consejos

Particle Usage

The particle に (ni) is frequently used with 潜る to indicate the location of the submersion or hiding. For example, 水に潜る (dive into water) or 部屋に潜る (hide in the room).

Syllable Emphasis

Japanese words generally have an even stress pattern. For 潜る (moguru), pronounce each syllable 'mo-gu-ru' with similar emphasis to ensure natural pronunciation.

Visual Associations

Create mental images: a diver going underwater, or a spy disappearing into shadows. Linking the word to strong visuals can significantly aid recall.

Distinguish from Similar Verbs

Be mindful of the differences between 潜る (dive/hide), 泳ぐ (swim), 隠れる (hide generally), and 沈む (sink). The specific nuance matters for accurate communication.

Marine Connection

Given Japan's island nature and love for the sea, 潜る is a frequently used verb in contexts related to marine activities and exploration. Understanding this connection can help contextualize its usage.

Sentence Creation

Actively create sentences using both the literal and figurative meanings of 潜る. This hands-on practice is crucial for internalizing the word's usage.

Verb Conjugation

Remember to conjugate 潜る correctly based on tense and politeness. The plain past tense is 潜った (mogutta), and the polite past tense is 潜りました (mogurimashita).

Related Words

Learning related words like 潜水 (sensui - diving), 潜水艦 (sensuikan - submarine), and 潜伏 (senpuku - hiding) can enrich your understanding of the semantic field surrounding 潜る.

Figurative Nuance

When using 潜る figuratively for hiding or slipping into something, consider if it implies more active, stealthy, or deep concealment than a simple verb like 隠れる.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'mogul' (moguru) who is so rich he has his own private submarine. He loves to dive (潜る) deep into the ocean to find hidden treasures. The sound 'moguru' sounds like 'mogul', and the action of diving deep is the core meaning.

Asociación visual

Picture a person with a snorkel and mask, looking down into clear blue water. They are about to dive (潜る) and see colorful fish. Or, imagine a spy slipping into a dark alleyway, disappearing from view (潜る).

Word Web

Underwater Diving Hiding Submerging Stealth Concealment Submarine Snorkeling

Desafío

Try to describe five different scenarios where you would use the verb 潜る, using both its literal and figurative meanings. Write a short sentence for each.

Origen de la palabra

The word 潜る (moguru) originates from ancient Japanese. The kanji 潜 itself is composed of 'water' (氵) and 'black' (黒), suggesting the idea of something disappearing into dark water. Historically, the verb described the act of going into water, and over time, its meaning expanded to include hiding or slipping into places.

Significado original: The original meaning was likely related to submerging in water, with the kanji reinforcing the visual of disappearing into darkness.

Japonic languages

Contexto cultural

The figurative meanings of 潜る, particularly related to hiding and infiltration, can be associated with espionage, crime, or political intrigue. When using these meanings, ensure the context is appropriate and not trivializing serious situations.

In English, we have similar concepts like 'to dive', 'to submerge', 'to go under', 'to hide', 'to slip into', and 'to go underground'. The Japanese verb 潜る encompasses a range of these meanings within a single word, making it quite efficient.

Japanese martial arts often involve concepts of stealth and hidden movement, which can relate to the figurative meaning of 潜る. Numerous Japanese films and anime feature underwater scenes or characters who hide or infiltrate places, often using the verb 潜る. The Japanese fascination with the ocean and its mysteries contributes to the frequent use of 潜る in contexts related to marine life and exploration.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

  • 海に潜る (umi ni moguru)
  • 水深 (suishin) - depth
  • ダイバー (daibaa) - diver
  • サンゴ礁 (sango shou) - coral reef

Naval and Military Operations

  • 潜水艦が潜る (sensuikan ga moguru)
  • 潜行する (senkou suru)
  • 敵 (teki) - enemy
  • レーダー (reidaa) - radar

Spy Thrillers and Mysteries

  • 秘密裏に潜る (himitsu-ri ni moguru)
  • 姿を消す (sugata o kesu)
  • 潜入する (sennyuu suru)
  • 諜報活動 (chouhou katsudou) - espionage activities

Children's Games and Stories

  • かくれんぼ (kakurenbo) - hide-and-seek
  • 物陰に潜る (monokage ni moguru)
  • 水遊び (mizu asobi) - playing with water

Figurative Escape or Withdrawal

  • 世間から潜る (seken kara moguru)
  • 問題から潜る (mondai kara moguru)
  • 現実逃避 (genjitsu touhi) - escapism

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever tried scuba diving or snorkeling? Where did you go?"

"What's the most interesting thing you've ever seen underwater?"

"If you could dive anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?"

"Do you enjoy playing hide-and-seek? What's your favorite hiding spot?"

"Can you think of a time you had to 'dive into' a difficult task or situation?"

Temas para diario

Describe a time you felt like you wanted to 'dive away' from a situation. What was happening?

Imagine you are a submarine on a secret mission. Where would you go and what would you do?

Write a short story about a character who discovers a hidden underwater world.

How do you feel about the idea of hiding or being concealed? When might it be necessary?

Reflect on a time you were deeply engrossed in a book or a hobby, like 'diving into' another world.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

潜る specifically means to dive or go underwater, to submerge yourself. 泳ぐ means to swim, which is the general act of moving through water and can be done on the surface or with brief periods of submersion. You 泳ぐ in a pool, but you 潜る to see fish at the bottom.

Yes, 潜る has a figurative meaning of hiding, concealing oneself, or slipping into a place unnoticed. For example, '彼は人混みに潜った' (Kare wa hitogomi ni mogutta) means 'He slipped into the crowd.' It implies a discreet or stealthy entry.

潜る itself is a plain form verb. Its politeness depends on the conjugation used. 潜ります (mogurimasu) is the polite form. In casual conversation, 潜る is perfectly acceptable.

It's very common in discussions about scuba diving, snorkeling, marine life, submarines, and spy stories. Figuratively, it's used when talking about hiding, avoiding attention, or deeply immersing oneself in something.

The particle に (ni) is most commonly used to indicate the location where one dives or hides. For example, 水に潜る (mizu ni moguru - to dive into water) or 部屋に潜る (heya ni moguru - to hide in the room).

Yes, 隠れる (kakureru) is a more general verb for hiding. 潜る often implies a more active or stealthy form of hiding, such as submerging or slipping into a confined space.

This is a figurative use meaning they want to withdraw from public life, hide from society, or avoid attention. It's like they want to 'dive away' from the public eye.

Yes, it's very common to say that a submarine 潜る (moguru) into the sea. This is a literal use related to submerging.

The past tense of 潜る is 潜った (mogutta) in the plain form and 潜りました (mogurimashita) in the polite form.

Yes, metaphorically. For example, '彼は仕事に潜った' (Kare wa shigoto ni mogutta) could mean he 'dove into his work' or became deeply engrossed in it.

Ponte a prueba 10 preguntas

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