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.
その文書には機密情報が含まれている。
That document contains classified information.
A broader term for secret information, often used in legal or corporate settings. Slightly less formal than 機密情報.
秘密情報を第三者に開示してはいけない。
You must not disclose secret information to third parties.
A noun meaning 'secrecy' or 'classified matter'. Often used in compounds like 機密文書 (classified documents).
国家機密が漏洩した。
State secrets were leaked.
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.
彼女は私に秘密を打ち明けた。
She confided a secret to me.
A casual word for a secret, often used among friends or family. Implies 'keep it between us'.
A literary or poetic term for a secret, especially a hidden love affair or deeply personal matter.
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.
リーク情報によると、新製品は来月発表される。
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.
彼は内部情報を基に株を売買した。
He traded stocks based on inside information.
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.
耳寄りな情報があるんだけど、聞きたい？
I have some inside information—want to hear it?
Slang for a tip-off or anonymous leak, often used in journalism or police contexts.
警察にタレコミがあった。
There was a tip-off to the police.
秘密 is the general word for 'secret' and can be used in both formal and casual contexts. 内緒 is casual and implies a shared secret between close individuals, often used in phrases like 内緒にする (keep it a secret).
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.
This is just between us, but I heard he's changing jobs.
Few know her hidden secrets.