Translation guide
A document containing information restricted by a government or organization for security reasons. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with terms related to secrets, confidentiality, or specific government classifications.
The classified document is kept under strict security.
General term for a secret document. Can be used for classified documents but is broader and less formal than 機密文書.
He was arrested on suspicion of leaking classified documents.
Specifically a military classified document. Used when emphasizing the military nature.
Military classified documents were leaked to the outside.
A document restricted within a company or organization, not necessarily government-related.
Document marked 'confidential' within a company, not to be disclosed outside. Common in business settings.
You must not take this confidential document outside the company.
Internal document, often confidential within an organization. Not as strong as 社外秘 but implies restricted circulation.
A document containing confidential information. More descriptive, used when specifying the content.
A document explicitly labeled with a classification level like 'top secret' or 'confidential'.
Top secret document. Used for the highest level of classification.
That top secret document is designated as a state secret.
Document marked with 'maruhi' (㊙), a common Japanese symbol for confidential. Often used in government and business.
Document restricted from outsiders, similar to 社外秘 but used in government or public offices.
機密文書 (kimitsu bunsho) is the formal term for classified documents, especially in legal or governmental contexts. 秘密文書 (himitsu bunsho) is a broader term for any secret document, including personal or corporate secrets. Use 機密文書 for official government classifications.
In Japanese offices, classified documents are often stamped with 社外秘 (shagaihi, 'confidential outside company') or マル秘 (maruhi). When referring to them, you can say 社外秘文書 or マル秘文書. Be aware that leaking such documents can be a serious offense.
Internal documents were leaked to the media.
Please dispose of documents containing confidential information using a shredder.
Confidential documents should be stored in a lockable cabinet.
Documents marked 'restricted' must not be disclosed to the public.