Translation guide
Ways to express 'secret talk' in Japanese, from casual whispers to formal confidential discussions.
A private conversation not meant for others to hear, often between friends or conspirators.
Casual, everyday word for a secret chat or whispered conversation, often between friends or family.
二人は内緒話をしている。
The two are having a secret talk.
Slightly more formal, implies a private or clandestine discussion, often with a serious or conspiratorial tone.
彼らは会議室で密談を交わした。
They had a secret talk in the conference room.
Literally 'secret talk/story', a straightforward phrase for any confidential conversation.
秘密の話があるんだけど、誰にも言わないでね。
I have a secret to tell you, but don't tell anyone.
Emphasizes the sneaky, whispered manner of the conversation; often used for gossip or plotting.
廊下でこそこそ話をするのはやめてください。
Please stop having secret talks in the hallway.
Formal or official secret discussions, such as in business, government, or military contexts.
Used for high-level confidential talks, such as diplomatic or corporate negotiations.
両国の外相は機密会談を行った。
The foreign ministers of both countries held a secret talk.
A secret meeting or conference, often used in organizational settings.
取締役会は秘密会議を開いた。
The board of directors held a secret meeting.
A closed-door discussion; emphasizes that the talk is not open to the public.
その問題について非公開の話し合いが行われた。
A secret talk was held regarding that issue.
Speaking in a low voice to avoid being overheard, often in public places.
Whispering into someone's ear; a quick, secret message.
彼は私に耳打ちして秘密を教えた。
He whispered the secret to me.
A whisper; can be romantic, secretive, or conspiratorial.
To speak in a hushed voice; a common phrase for secretive talk.
彼らは声をひそめて話していた。
They were talking in hushed voices.
A special way of speaking understood only by a select group, like jargon or a cipher.
Secret jargon or cant used by a particular group, such as criminals or professionals.
彼らは隠語で話していたので、内容がわからなかった。
They were speaking in secret talk, so I couldn't understand the content.
Code or cipher; often used for written secret communication, but can refer to coded speech.
A sign, code word, or jargon used within a specific trade or group; somewhat old-fashioned.
内緒話 is casual and often friendly, like sharing a secret with a friend. 密談 implies a more serious, possibly conspiratorial private discussion.
子供たちが内緒話をしている。
The children are having a secret talk.
政治家たちが密談をしている。
The politicians are having a secret talk.
The direct translation '秘密の話' is understandable but can sound unnatural in many contexts. Use more specific terms like 内緒話 or 密談 when appropriate.
二人はささやきを交わしていた。
They were exchanging whispers.
スパイは暗号で会話した。
The spies communicated in code.
The craftsmen speak using their secret jargon.