How to say "discreet" in Japanese

• 細心さいしんCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers only the 'meticulous, scrupulous' edge of 'discreet': extreme, close attention to detail. For discreet meaning tactful, unobtrusive, or prudent, this is seldom the word you want — it is really about carefulness.
  ほんの些細ささいなことにも細心さいしんの注意ちゅういを払はらわなければならない。↗

  You must give close attention to the merest details.
• 慎重しんちょうJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounThe word for 'discreet' as careful, cautious, prudent conduct: acting deliberately to avoid mistakes or trouble. Use this when discretion means weighing one's actions rather than meticulous attention to detail.
  裁判官さいばんかんには慎重しんちょうさがなくてはならない。↗

  Discretion is proper to judges.

For 'discreet' meaning cautious, prudent conduct choose 慎重; 細心 corresponds only to the 'meticulous, scrupulous' edge of the English word and is seldom the right choice for discreet itself.

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

• 細心さいしんmeticulous
• 慎重しんちょうcareful
• 慎み深いつつしみぶかいdiscreet
• 口堅いくちがたいdiscreet
• 思慮深いしりょぶかいprudent