Translation guide
Ways to express 'secret information' in Japanese, from formal terms for classified data to casual words for personal secrets.
Information that is officially kept secret, such as government, military, or corporate secrets.
The standard term for classified or confidential information, used in government, military, and business contexts.
That document contains classified information.
A noun meaning 'secrecy' or 'classified matter'. Often used in compounds like 機密文書 (classified documents).
Information that someone wants to keep private, such as personal details or hidden truths.
The most common word for a secret. Can be used for anything from trivial to serious secrets.
Secret information that has been disclosed, often in journalism or whistleblowing contexts.
Borrowed from English 'leak', commonly used for leaked information in media or politics.
A piece of secret information given as a hint or advice, often in informal settings.
Literally 'ear-pleasing information', used for a useful or interesting tip that is not widely known.
A broader term for secret information, often used in legal or corporate settings. Slightly less formal than 機密情報.
You must not disclose secret information to third parties.
国家機密が漏洩した。
State secrets were leaked.
She confided a secret to me.
A casual word for a secret, often used among friends or family. Implies 'keep it between us'.
This is just between us, but I heard he's changing jobs.
A literary or poetic term for a secret, especially a hidden love affair or deeply personal matter.
Few know her hidden secrets.
According to leaked information, the new product will be announced next month.
Inside information, often used in business or legal contexts. Can imply unauthorized disclosure.
He traded stocks based on inside information.
I have some inside information—want to hear it?
Slang for a tip-off or anonymous leak, often used in journalism or police contexts.
There was a tip-off to the police.
This is just between us.
While 秘密情報 is a valid term, it is less common than 機密情報 for official secrets. For personal secrets, simply use 秘密. Translating 'secret information' directly as 秘密の情報 is often unnatural.