Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Secret" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "secret", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
密会
みっかい (mikkai)
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 密会 and 内密.
In Japanese, 密会 (みっかい (mikkai)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "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。" (Meaning: "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.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "密会" fits here because it means "secret meeting; rendezvous; sweet secret date; clandestine meeting" in the context of: "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.". "内密" represents "secret, confidential, private (more formal)".