Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Secret" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "secret", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
内緒
ないしょ (naisho)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
内密
ないみつ (naimitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "secret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 内緒 and 内密.
In Japanese, 内緒 (ないしょ (naisho)) is typically associated with "secret" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used in the phrase「内緒にする」.
On the other hand, 内密 (ないみつ (naimitsu)) maps to "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。. A literal translation of "secret" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "内緒"
これは私たちだけの内緒だよ。
This is just between us, it's a secret.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これは私たちだけの ＿＿＿ だよ。" (Meaning: "This is just between us, it's a secret.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "内緒" fits here because it means "secret" in the context of: "This is just between us, it's a secret.". "内密" represents "secret, confidential, private (more formal)".