Translation guide
The English word 'secrets' can refer to confidential information, hidden methods, or mysterious truths. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 秘密 (himitsu), but the best choice depends on whether you mean personal secrets, trade secrets, or the key to something.
To refer to information that is kept hidden from others, such as personal secrets, confidential matters, or classified information.
The most general and common word for 'secret'. It can be used for personal secrets, confidential information, or anything meant to be kept hidden.
彼は私に秘密を打ち明けた。
He confided a secret to me.
これは二人だけの秘密だよ。
This is just between you and me.
A more casual, intimate word for 'secret', often used among friends or family. It implies something kept from others in a close circle.
内緒の話だけど、彼女は来月結婚するんだ。
Just between us, she's getting married next month.
Refers to classified or confidential information, often in governmental, military, or corporate contexts.
その文書は国家機密に指定されている。
The document is classified as a state secret.
To refer to a special technique, recipe, or method that is not widely known, such as the secret to success or a secret ingredient.
Means 'secret' in the sense of a key or trick to achieving something. Often used in phrases like 'the secret to success'.
成功の秘訣は何ですか？
What's the secret to your success?
長生きの秘訣を教えてください。
Please tell me the secret to a long life.
Can also be used for a secret method, especially in compound phrases like 秘密のレシピ (secret recipe).
Refers to esoteric or secret principles, especially in martial arts or traditional arts. Very formal and literary.
To refer to something unknown or mysterious, such as the secrets of the universe or nature.
Means 'mystery' or 'riddle', but can be used for secrets in the sense of unexplained phenomena or hidden truths.
宇宙の謎を解き明かしたい。
I want to unravel the secrets of the universe.
Can also be used for hidden truths, as in 'the secrets of nature'.
Refers to 'mystery' or 'secret' with a nuance of spiritual or profound hiddenness. Often used for religious or cosmic secrets.
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 secret shared within a small, intimate group. Use 内緒 when you want to say 'just between us' or 'keep it hush-hush' among friends.
これは内緒だよ。誰にも言わないで。
This is a secret. Don't tell anyone.
While 'trade secrets' can be translated as 企業秘密 (kigyou himitsu), the more natural term in business contexts is 営業秘密 (eigyou himitsu) or simply ノウハウ (know-how) depending on the nuance. Avoid directly translating 'trade' as 貿易 (boueki).
This is a secret recipe passed down from my grandmother.
The secret techniques of that martial art are never revealed to outsiders.
To explore the secrets of nature.
To touch the secrets of life.