Translation and Meaning of: 秘密 - himitsu

The Japanese word 「秘密」 (himitsu), translated as "secret" in many languages, has a rich and interesting etymology. 「秘密」 is composed of two kanji: 「秘」 and 「密」. The first kanji, 「秘」 (hi), carries the meaning of "hidden" or "concealed," and is often used in contexts involving confidentiality. The second kanji, 「密」 (mitsu), suggests "density" or "depth," and is also associated with something "closed" or "private." When combined, the kanji form an expression that encapsulates the idea of something that is carefully preserved from the eyes of the public.

The origin of the word goes back to the ancestral use of these kanji in classical literature and religious texts, where secrets and hidden knowledge were often discussed and passed down through generations. In feudal Japan, possessing and keeping secrets was a valued skill, especially among samurais and other classes of warriors, which gave the word a connotation of power and strategic wisdom. This reflected the importance of secrets not only in military tactics but also in social and even spiritual contexts.

In its modern use, 「秘密」 (himitsu) is an integral part of the Japanese language, achieving relevance in both formal and informal contexts. The word is used to describe everything from personal information that one wishes to keep private to great mysteries that intrigue the collective imagination, as seen in fiction stories. Curiously, it also plays a significant role in pop culture, frequently appearing in narratives that involve espionage, intrigue, or plotlines full of twists. This reflects society's ongoing fascination with the unknown and the hidden, making 「秘密」 a term as relevant today as it was in its historical origin.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 機密 (kimitsu) - Confidential or secret information, often related to government or military matters.
• 隠し事 (kakushigoto) - A hidden thing; personal or family secrets.
• 秘め事 (himigoto) - A question kept secret; it generally refers to hidden feelings or desires.
• 秘伝 (hidens) - A traditional secret or secret knowledge passed down through generations, often in arts or crafts.
• 秘訣 (hiketsu) - A secret or tip that is the key to achieving something, often used in contexts of wisdom or practical skills.
• 秘策 (hisaku) - A secret strategy; a plan or approach that is not generally known.
• 秘密主義 (himitsu shugi) - Principle or philosophy of keeping secrets; a way of living or operating that is highly private.
• 秘密主義者 (himitsu shugisha) - A person who practices or believes in the philosophy of keeping secrets; a reserved individual.

秘密

Romaji: himitsu
Kana: ひみつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Secret; secrecy

Meaning in English: secret;secrecy

Definition: Things and information that should not be known by other people.

Example Sentences - (秘密) himitsu

See below some example sentences:

この秘密は絶対に守ります。

Kono himitsu wa zettai ni mamorimasu

I will protect this secret at all costs.

This secret is absolutely protected.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 秘密 - noun "secret"
• は - Topic particle
• 絶対に - adverb "absolutely"
• 守ります - "protect"

奥深い秘密がある。

Okufukai himitsu ga aru

There is a deep secret.

• 奥深い - deep, mysterious
• 秘密 - secret
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

彼女は自分の秘密を暴露した。

Kanojo wa jibun no himitsu o bōro shita

She revealed her secret.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 秘密 (himitsu) - secret
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 暴露した (bakuro shita) - revealed/exposed

私は秘密を隠すことができます。

Watashi wa himitsu wo kakusu koto ga dekimasu

I can hide secrets.

I can hide the secret.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 秘密 (himitsu) - Japanese noun meaning "secret"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 隠す (kakusu) - Japanese verb meaning "to hide"
• ことができます (koto ga dekimasu) - Japanese expression meaning "to be able to"