Translation guide
The concept of keeping information hidden or confidential. In Japanese, expressing secrecy involves nouns like 秘密, verbs like 隠す, and adjectives like 内緒の, with nuances of formality and context.
Referring to the abstract concept or state of keeping something hidden.
The most common and general word for 'secret' or 'secrecy'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
This is a secret.
Please keep the secret.
Informal word for 'secret', often used in personal contexts, like keeping something from someone. Commonly used as 内緒の or 内緒で.
This is a secret, okay?
I bought a present secretly.
Refers to classified or confidential information, often used in government, military, or corporate contexts.
You must not leak confidential information.
Describing the action or practice of hiding information.
Formal term for concealment or cover-up, often used in serious contexts like scandals.
The cover-up of the accident became an issue.
Common phrase meaning 'to keep something a secret'. Literally 'to keep it as a secret'.
Keep this a secret.
Casual phrase meaning 'to keep something secret', often between friends or family.
Let's keep it a secret from him.
Expressing that an action is done without others knowing.
Adverb meaning 'secretly' or 'stealthily', often for physical actions done quietly to avoid notice.
I sneaked out secretly.
Adverb meaning 'secretly' or 'in private', often for feelings or plans.
They were secretly advancing the plan.
Casual adverbial phrase meaning 'secretly' or 'without telling anyone'.
I secretly ate the cake.
Referring to a pledge to keep something confidential.
秘密 (himitsu) is the standard word for 'secret' and can be used in any context. 内緒 (naisho) is more casual and implies a personal secret, often kept from someone specific. Use 内緒 with friends or family, and 秘密 in formal or general situations.
The English noun 'secrecy' often translates to 秘密 (himitsu) or 秘密性 (himitsusei), but in many cases, Japanese uses a verb phrase like 秘密にする (himitsu ni suru) or an adverb like こっそり (kossori). Avoid directly translating 'secrecy' as a standalone noun in every context.
I promise I will never disclose this.