in secrecy; behind closed doors
Used adverbially as 秘密裏に to describe actions done secretly, confidentially, or without public knowledge. Often used in formal or news contexts.
The negotiations were conducted in secrecy.
The plan is being carried out behind closed doors.
内密 is an adjective/noun meaning 'confidential' or 'private', often used for keeping matters within a limited group. 秘密裏 emphasizes the manner of action being secret, while 内密 focuses on the state of confidentiality.
秘密 is a general noun for 'secret'. 秘密裏 is an adverbial form meaning 'in a secret manner', derived from 秘密.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant using 裡, an older form of 裏. Less common but still seen.
Compound of 秘密 (secret) and 裏 (back, reverse side), literally 'behind the secret'. The 裏/裡 indicates a hidden or private aspect, giving the meaning 'in secrecy'.