also: ないしょう
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
secret; secrecy; confidentiality
Refers to something kept hidden from others; often used in phrases like 内緒にする (keep secret) or 内緒の話 (confidential talk).
これは内緒の話だから、誰にも言わないでね。
This is a secret, so don't tell anyone.
彼女は内緒でプレゼントを用意した。
She secretly prepared a present.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
one's circumstances (esp. financial)
Rare, old-fashioned usage referring to one's personal or financial situation; now mostly replaced by 内情 or 事情.
古い小説では「内証が苦しい」という表現が出てくる。
In old novels, you see expressions like 'one's circumstances are difficult'.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
inner realization; personal enlightenment
Only when written 内証 · Only with reading ないしょう
Buddhist term; refers to inner spiritual awakening or personal enlightenment. Read ないしょう.
禅宗では内証の体験を重視する。
In Zen Buddhism, the experience of inner realization is emphasized.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Only when written 内所
Rare, archaic meaning; written with 内所. Not used in modern Japanese.
古文書に「内所」とあり、台所を指していた。
In old documents, 内所 appears, referring to the kitchen.