Translation guide
The English word 'privy' has two main uses: as an adjective meaning 'sharing secret knowledge' and as a noun meaning 'an outdoor toilet'. This guide covers both, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions.
To express that someone is aware of secret or confidential information, often used in formal contexts.
A natural way to say someone is 'privy to inside information'. It implies deep familiarity with internal matters.
彼は会社の内情に通じている。
He is privy to the company's internal affairs.
A straightforward way to say 'know the secret'. Less formal, but clear.
To refer to a simple outdoor toilet, often in a rural or historical context.
The most neutral and common term for an outdoor toilet. Can be used in modern contexts like camping.
キャンプ場には屋外トイレしかない。
The campsite only has a privy.
The adjective 'privy' is not the same as 'private'. In Japanese, 'private' is プライベートな or 私的な. 'Privy' specifically means sharing secret knowledge.
彼はプライベートな問題を抱えている。
He has a private problem. (not 'privy')
Only she is privy to that secret.
Used in business or government contexts to mean 'have access to classified information'. Formal.
その役職は機密情報にアクセスできる。
That position is privy to classified information.
A colloquial term for a pit toilet, often associated with old-style Japanese toilets. Can be humorous or nostalgic.
田舎の祖母の家にはまだぼっとん便所がある。
My grandmother's house in the countryside still has a privy.
A technical term for a vault toilet that requires periodic pumping. Used in official or descriptive contexts.
この公園の汲み取り式便所は週に一度清掃される。
The park's privy is cleaned once a week.