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
密会
みっかい (mikkai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "secret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 内緒 and 密会.
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, 密会 (みっかい (mikkai)) maps to "secret meeting; rendezvous; sweet secret date; clandestine meeting" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a secret meeting, rendezvous, or a sweet clandestine date hidden from others' eyes. 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 "密会"
敵国との内通を疑われた大臣は、夜陰に乗じて隣国の工作員と_______を重ねていた事実が発覚しました。
The minister suspected of colluding with the enemy nation was found to have repeated secret meetings with the neighboring country's agent under the cover of night.
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.". "密会" represents "secret meeting; rendezvous; sweet secret date; clandestine meeting".