dive · conceal

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 潜 has 15 strokes and denotes going beneath or inside something, or remaining hidden.
• Basic usage: 潜る is read もぐる, and 潜む is read ひそむ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Entering and remaining hidden
  • 海に潜って describes diving into the sea.
  • 布団の中に潜って means burrowing under a blanket.
  • 草むらに小さな虫が潜んでいた describes a small insect remaining hidden in the grass.
• A hidden danger
  • 思わぬ危険が潜むことがある means that unexpected dangers can sometimes lurk.