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
口裏
くちうら (kuchiura)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "secret" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 秘密 and 口裏.
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, 口裏 (くちうら (kuchiura)) maps to "secret understanding; concerted story; alibi (often in the context of conspiring)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Usually used in phrases like 口裏を合わせる. 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 "口裏"
二人は警察に怪しまれないよう、口裏を合わせた。
The two coordinated their stories so as not to be suspected by the police.
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.". "口裏" represents "secret understanding; concerted story; alibi (often in the context of conspiring)".