Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Secret" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "secret", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
内密
ないみつ (naimitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
機密
きみつ (kimitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "secret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 内密 and 機密.
In Japanese, 内密 (ないみつ (naimitsu)) is typically associated with "secret, confidential, private (more formal)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 内緒よりもフォーマルな場面で使われ、公にせず秘密裏に進めるべき事柄を指します。ビジネスや公的な文脈でよく見られます。.
On the other hand, 機密 (きみつ (kimitsu)) maps to "secret, classified (information)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to highly sensitive information that must be kept confidential, often in government, military, or corporate settings. 外部に漏らしてはならない重要な秘密の情報。. A literal translation of "secret" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "内密"
この件は内密に進めてください。
Please proceed with this matter confidentially.
Bilingual Context for "機密"
これは国家の機密情報です。
This is classified national information.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この件は ＿＿＿ に進めてください。" (Meaning: "Please proceed with this matter confidentially.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "内密" fits here because it means "secret, confidential, private (more formal)" in the context of: "Please proceed with this matter confidentially.". "機密" represents "secret, classified (information)".