Meaning and Usage
"秘密" (ひみつ) means "secret" or "secrecy" and refers to information or facts that are kept hidden from others. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to talk about personal secrets, confidential plans, or private matters.
Common Collocations
- 秘密を守る (ひみつをまもる): to keep a secret; used when emphasizing trust or confidentiality.
- 秘密の場所 (ひみつのばしょ): secret place; often used to describe a hidden or private location.
- 秘密の計画 (ひみつのけいかく): secret plan; used when discussing plans that are not to be revealed.
Usage Notes
"秘密" is a noun and can be used with particles like を or の to form phrases. It is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Learners should avoid confusing "秘密" with "内緒" (ないしょ), which also means secret but is more casual and often used in spoken language among close friends or family.
Practical Tips
When using "秘密," consider the level of confidentiality implied. For example, "秘密を守る" implies a serious promise to keep information safe, while "秘密の話" might refer to a private or sensitive topic shared between people. This word is useful in social, work, and storytelling contexts where hidden information plays a role.