Translation guide
A secret or hidden meeting, often with romantic or conspiratorial overtones. Japanese has several words and phrases depending on the nuance: secret dating, illicit affairs, or covert political/business meetings.
A hidden meeting between lovers, often implying an affair or forbidden relationship.
The most direct equivalent for a secret meeting, especially romantic or conspiratorial. Often used for affairs or covert political meetings.
二人は週末に密会を重ねていた。
They had clandestine meetings every weekend.
A secret rendezvous between lovers, often with a romantic or nostalgic nuance. Slightly old-fashioned but still used.
彼女は人目を避けて逢引を楽しんだ。
She enjoyed a clandestine meeting, avoiding public attention.
Implies secret communication or illicit intercourse, often used in historical or legal contexts for adultery.
密通が露見して大騒ぎになった。
The clandestine affair was exposed and caused a huge uproar.
A covert meeting for plotting, negotiating, or exchanging information, often political or criminal.
A secret talk or private conference, often for conspiracy or confidential business.
彼らは裏部屋で密談を交わした。
They held a clandestine meeting in the back room.
A secret meeting or gathering, neutral and widely used for any covert assembly.
秘密会合が開かれたことがリークされた。
It was leaked that a clandestine meeting had been held.
A secret consultation or council, often used in historical or political contexts.
重臣たちは密議を凝らした。
The senior vassals held a clandestine meeting to deliberate.
Any meeting kept hidden from others, without romantic or conspiratorial connotation.
A casual way to say 'secret meeting' or 'hush-hush gathering', suitable for everyday situations.
サプライズパーティーのために内緒の会合を開いた。
We held a clandestine meeting to plan the surprise party.
Literally 'a meeting avoiding public gaze', emphasizing stealth. Somewhat literary.
彼らは人目を忍ぶ会合を続けた。
They continued their clandestine meetings, hiding from public view.
密会 is broader and can be used for any secret meeting, including political or business. 逢引 specifically implies a romantic rendezvous and has a slightly old-fashioned, literary feel.
密会はスキャンダルになった。
The clandestine meeting became a scandal.
逢引の場所はいつも同じ公園だった。
The place for their clandestine meetings was always the same park.