How to say "confidentiality" in Japanese

• 秘密ひみつJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveThe general word for a secret or for secrecy itself; it covers confidentiality whenever information is simply kept from others, whether the matter is personal or professional.
  私は彼女かのじょに取り入とりいってうまく秘密ひみつを聞き出ききだした。↗

  I charmed a secret out of her.
• 内緒ないしょCommon
  no-adjectiveReally about personal secrets — keeping something from someone, or telling only a chosen few — so it fits confidentiality between individuals, not the protection of information in professional or legal settings.
  彼女かのじょは内緒ないしょで私にその話はなしをした。↗

  She told me the story in confidence.
• 内密ないみつCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveEmphasizes handling a matter discreetly, keeping it within a small circle and out of public view; typical when you ask someone to treat something as confidential or deal with it quietly.
  この情報じょうほうは内密ないみつにしてください。↗

  Keep this information under your hat.

Use 秘密 for secrets and secrecy in general, 内密 for handling a matter discreetly within a small circle, and 内緒 for personal secrets kept between individuals rather than formal confidentiality.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 秘密ひみつsecret
• 内緒ないしょsecrecy
• 内密ないみつprivacy
• 機密性きみつせいconfidentiality
• 秘密性ひみつせいconfidentiality
• 秘密保持ひみつほじconfidentiality
• 秘匿性ひとくせいconfidentiality
• 守秘しゅひkeeping a secret
• 私わたくしsecrecy