Translation guide
A legal contract that keeps information confidential. In Japanese, the English abbreviation NDA is widely understood, but there are also native terms used in business and legal contexts.
Referring to a standard non-disclosure agreement in a business setting.
The most standard and formal Japanese term for a non-disclosure agreement. Used in legal documents and formal business contexts.
秘密保持契約を締結しました。
We signed a non-disclosure agreement.
The English abbreviation 'NDA' is very commonly used in Japanese business settings, especially in IT and startups. Pronounced as letters.
NDAにサインしてください。
Please sign the NDA.
Specifically refers to the document itself. Adding 書 (しょ) emphasizes the physical or digital document.
秘密保持契約書のドラフトを送ります。
I'll send the draft of the non-disclosure agreement.
An alternative term using 機密 (きみつ, confidential) instead of 秘密 (ひみつ, secret). Slightly more formal and often used for highly sensitive information.
機密保持契約を結ぶ必要があります。
We need to enter into a non-disclosure agreement.
Referring to the agreement in a strictly legal context, such as in contracts or court documents.
The standard legal term. Used in formal contracts and legal proceedings.
本秘密保持契約は、両当事者間の合意を証するものである。
This non-disclosure agreement evidences the agreement between the parties.
Talking about an NDA in a casual conversation, such as among colleagues or in a startup environment.
In casual spoken Japanese, the English abbreviation is the most natural choice. It's short and universally understood in business contexts.
NDAって結んだ？
Did you sign an NDA?
A slightly more explanatory phrase, breaking down the term. It's less formal than the full compound word.
秘密保持の契約を交わしたほうがいいよ。
You should sign a non-disclosure agreement.
The abbreviation NDA is so common in Japanese business that using the full Japanese term might sound overly formal or stiff in everyday conversation. In emails and meetings, NDA is perfectly acceptable.
Both are correct and often interchangeable. 秘密 (ひみつ) means 'secret', while 機密 (きみつ) means 'confidential' or 'classified'. 機密保持契約 is sometimes preferred for government or military secrets, but in corporate settings, 秘密保持契約 is the default.
全従業員に秘密保持契約の締結を義務付けています。
We require all employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
NDAにより、機密情報の共有は禁止されています。
The NDA prohibits sharing any confidential information.
Used interchangeably with 秘密保持契約 in legal documents, but may imply a higher level of secrecy.
機密保持契約違反により損害賠償を請求する。
We will claim damages for breach of the non-disclosure agreement.