Translation guide
The English word "secure" has several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical uses: feeling safe, fastening something, obtaining something, and making something safe. Each meaning has natural Japanese expressions.
Expressing a sense of safety, confidence, or lack of anxiety about a situation.
Means 'safe' or 'secure' in the sense of being free from danger or risk. Often used for physical safety or security.
この辺りは安全です。
This area is secure.
Means 'peace of mind' or 'relief'. Used when you feel emotionally secure or free from worry.
それを聞いて安心した。
I felt secure after hearing that.
Literally 'no worry'. A casual way to say something is secure or there's nothing to worry about.
もう心配ないよ。
It's secure now.
Making something physically stable, tight, or unable to move.
Means 'to fix' or 'to secure' something in place. Used for objects, equipment, etc.
荷物をロープで固定した。
I secured the luggage with a rope.
Means 'to tighten firmly'. Often used for screws, belts, or lids.
ネジをしっかり締めてください。
Please secure the screw tightly.
Can mean 'to secure' in the sense of holding or keeping something in place, but more commonly used for 'securing' resources or people. Slightly formal.
救助隊が現場を確保した。
The rescue team secured the site.
Getting something you need, often with effort, or making sure something is available.
The most common word for 'secure' in the sense of obtaining or reserving something, like tickets, funds, or a position.
チケットを2枚確保した。
I secured two tickets.
Means 'to obtain' or 'get hold of'. More casual than 確保する, often used for desired items.
やっと希望の品を手に入れた。
I finally secured the item I wanted.
Means 'to acquire' or 'win'. Used in formal or business contexts, like securing a contract or rights.
契約を獲得した。
We secured the contract.
Taking measures to ensure safety, often against threats or risks.
Means 'to protect' or 'defend'. Used for securing people, places, or information.
データをパスワードで守る。
Secure the data with a password.
Literally 'make safe'. A straightforward way to say 'secure' as a verb.
家の周りを安全にした。
I secured the area around the house.
Means 'strengthen security'. Used in IT or corporate contexts.
システムのセキュリティを強化する必要がある。
We need to secure the system.
When expressing feeling secure emotionally, do not use 安全 (safe from danger). Use 安心 (peace of mind) instead. Saying 私は安全です means 'I am safe (from physical harm)', not 'I feel secure'.
確保する is for obtaining or reserving something (tickets, funds), while 固定する is for physically fixing something in place (luggage, equipment). Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
この仕事には安心感がある。
I feel secure in this job.
登る前にはしごを固定してください。
Secure the ladder before climbing.
銀行から融資を確保した。
We secured a loan from the bank.