Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Secret" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "secret", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
秘密
ひみつ (himitsu)
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 秘密 and 内密.
In Japanese, 秘密 (ひみつ (himitsu)) is typically associated with "secret" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a secret, confidentiality, or privacy. Often used with 秘密にする.
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 "秘密"
この話は、絶対に二人だけの秘密にしてください。
Please make sure to keep this story an absolute secret between the two of us.
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: "この話は、絶対に二人だけの ＿＿＿ にしてください。" (Meaning: "Please make sure to keep this story an absolute secret between the two of us.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "秘密" fits here because it means "secret" in the context of: "Please make sure to keep this story an absolute secret between the two of us.". "内密" represents "secret, confidential, private (more formal)".