Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'confidential talk' depends heavily on context and relationship. The most natural approach is often to describe the situation or use set phrases rather than a single noun. This guide covers ways to talk about secrets, private conversations, and off-the-record discussions.
Referring to a talk that is meant to be kept secret between the speakers.
A very common, casual way to say 'secret talk' or 'confidential conversation'. Used among friends, family, or close colleagues.
これは内緒の話だけど、来月転職するんだ。
This is confidential, but I'm changing jobs next month.
Literally 'secret talk'. Slightly more formal than 内緒の話, but still natural in everyday conversation.
秘密の話があるんだけど、誰にも言わないでね。
I have something confidential to tell you, but don't tell anyone.
A formal or literary term for a secret talk or private conference. Often used in political or business contexts.
両首脳は数時間にわたって密談を行った。
The two leaders held confidential talks for several hours.
A conversation not meant for public knowledge, often in professional settings.
Borrowed from English 'off the record', this is widely understood in Japanese, especially in media and business.
これはオフレコの話ですが、社長が辞任するかもしれません。
This is off the record, but the president might resign.
Means 'closed-door discussion' or 'private meeting'. Suitable for formal contexts.
その問題については非公開の話し合いが行われた。
Confidential talks were held on that issue.
A set phrase meaning 'just between us' or 'this is strictly confidential'. Very natural in casual and semi-formal speech.
ここだけの話、彼は来月異動になるらしいよ。
Just between us, I hear he's being transferred next month.
A conversation conducted in low voices to avoid being overheard.
Onomatopoeic word for whispering or hushed talk. Implies secrecy or gossip.
隣の席でひそひそ話をしている。
They're having a confidential talk at the next table.
Literally 'to speak in a hushed voice'. Describes the manner of confidential talk.
彼らは声をひそめて何か話していた。
They were talking confidentially in hushed voices.
Japanese often omits the subject and relies on context. Instead of saying 'We had a confidential talk', you might simply say 'I heard something in secret' using 内緒で聞いた (ないしょできいた).
The English phrase 'confidential talk' can sound stiff if translated literally as 機密の会話 (きみつのかいわ), which is more about classified information. Stick to the natural phrases above.