密

• Reading: みつ
• Romaji: mitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 密 (mitsu) — dense, close, secret, tight
• Pronunciation: /mi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Dense; close; tight; crowded. Describes things packed closely together or done in secret.

A na-adjective and noun with two main senses: physical closeness or density (密な関係, a close relationship; 密に連絡する, to stay in close contact) and secrecy (秘密, secret). Gained widespread recognition during COVID-19 as part of the 三密 (sanmitsu, three Cs: closed spaces, crowded places, close contact) guidelines.

Examples

1. チームと密に連絡を取り合っている。 I'm staying in close contact with the team.
2. 密な人間関係が日本社会の特徴だ。 Close interpersonal relationships are a characteristic of Japanese society.
3. スケジュールが密で休む暇がない。 My schedule is so packed that I don't have time to rest.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, relationships, scheduling

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 密 combines 宀 (roof), 必 (certain/inevitable), and 山 (mountain) at the bottom. The image suggests something hidden securely under a roof in the mountains — close, tight, and concealed.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal