内密

• Reading: ないみつ
• Romaji: naimitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 内 (nai/uchi) — inside, internal; 密 (mitsu/hiso) — dense, secret, close
• Pronunciation: /nai.mi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Secret; confidential; private; in confidence. Describes something communicated or handled privately, without others being made aware.

A na-adjective and noun. 内密に (confidentially, in private) is the most common adverbial form. Unlike 秘密 (secret, a secret thing), 内密 emphasises the manner of handling — doing something in a way that keeps it from reaching outsiders. Common in business and legal contexts such as internal investigations or private negotiations. Often carries the nuance of intentional discretion rather than shameful hiding.

Examples

1. 内密に調査を進めることで、情報の漏洩を防いだ。 By conducting the investigation confidentially, we prevented information from leaking.
2. 二人の間の話は内密にしてほしいと頼まれた。 I was asked to keep the conversation between the two of us private.
3. 内密の取引が明るみに出て、企業の信頼は大きく損なわれた。 The confidential transaction came to light, causing serious damage to the company's credibility.

Usage Guide

Context: business, legal, private communications, investigations

Tone: discreet

Origin & History

From 内 (nai/uchi — inside, internal) and 密 (mitsu — close, dense, secret). Together they convey the sense of something kept close and inside, not allowed to leak outward.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional