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
機密
きみつ (kimitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "secret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 密会 and 機密.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "機密" represents "secret, classified (information)".