密
Meanings
Describes physical density, thickness, or crowdedness. Often used for forests, crowds, or tightly packed things.
Antonyms: 疎 (そ)
This forest is densely wooded.
The venue was crowded with people.
Used for relationships, communication, or connections that are close and intimate.
I have built a close relationship with him.
The two countries are in close contact with each other.
Describes something done in fine detail, with great care, or meticulously. Often used for plans, rules, or observations.
He made a detailed plan.
The police are conducting a minute investigation.
Used for matters kept secret or confidential. Often appears in compounds like 密談 (secret talk) or 密約 (secret agreement).
The meeting was held in secret.
A secret deal was uncovered.
esoteric Buddhism; secret Buddhist teachings
Abbreviation of 密教 (みっきょう). Used in Buddhist contexts to refer to esoteric teachings. Rare as a standalone noun.
See also: 密教 (みっきょう)
Esoteric Buddhism is contrasted with exoteric Buddhism.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の人口が密であるthe population of a place is dense
This area has a dense population.
- 密なスケジュールa tightly packed schedule
This week's schedule is so packed I have no time to rest.
- 密な関係a close relationship
The two companies have a close relationship.
- 〈人〉と密に連絡を取るto keep in close contact with someone
We are keeping in close contact with the local team.
- 密な計画a carefully detailed plan
The culprits had drawn up a meticulous plan.
Expressions
- 三つの密three Cs; three conditions that facilitate infection transmission (closed spaces, crowds, close contact)
- 謀は密なるを良しとすstrategies must be kept secret to succeed