秘密にする

§ Understanding 秘密にする

The Japanese phrase 秘密にする (himitsu ni suru) directly translates to 'to make into a secret' or 'to keep a secret.' It's a common and practical phrase you'll use often. Let's break down its components:

• 秘密 (himitsu): This is the noun meaning 'secret.'
• に (ni): This particle indicates transformation or result. In this case, it means 'into' or 'as.'
• する (suru): This is a very common verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make.'

So, when you put it all together, 秘密にする means 'to do something into a secret,' which we naturally understand as 'to keep a secret.'

§ Basic Sentence Structure

Using 秘密にする is straightforward. You generally don't need a direct object marker (を) for the 'secret' itself, as the 'ni suru' structure already implies the action of making something into a secret. If you're talking about *what* you're keeping a secret, that's where the nuance comes in.

Subject + (を) + 秘密にする

When you are keeping a specific thing a secret. Often, the thing being kept a secret will be implied by context, or stated earlier in the conversation.

Translation hint

Please keep this a secret.

In this example, 'kore' (this) is the thing being kept a secret. You don't need 'kore o himitsu ni shite kudasai' because 'himitsu ni suru' already conveys the idea of making 'kore' into a secret. While 'を' isn't strictly wrong in this context, it's often omitted for conciseness.

Translation hint

She was keeping his birthday a secret.

Here, the direct object '彼の誕生日 (kare no tanjoubi - his birthday)' is explicitly marked with を because it's the specific item being kept secret. This is a common pattern when the secret itself is a noun phrase.

§ Using with specific people

If you want to specify who you are keeping the secret *from*, you'll typically use the particle から (kara) or, less commonly, に (ni) followed by the person. However, it's more natural to phrase it as 'not telling [person]'.

Translation hint

I'm keeping it a secret from him. (Literally: 'Regarding him, I'm making it a secret.')

Here, に (ni) indicates the target of the secrecy, meaning 'from him' in this context. The は (wa) highlights '彼に' (kare ni) as the topic.

§ Common expressions with 秘密にする

You'll often hear 秘密にする in specific contexts:

• 内緒にする (naisho ni suru): This is a very close synonym and often used interchangeably, particularly for lighter secrets or when asking someone to keep a confidence. 内緒 (naisho) also means 'secret' or 'confidential.'

Translation hint

Keep this a secret from everyone, okay?

Mastering 秘密にする will help you communicate effectively about confidentiality in Japanese. Pay attention to context to understand what is being kept a secret and from whom.

§ Japanese Word: 秘密にする (himitsu ni suru)

Definition

To keep a secret.

§ Understanding 秘密にする (Himitsu ni Suru)

When you want to express the idea of keeping something confidential or not revealing information, 秘密にする (himitsu ni suru) is your go-to phrase. It literally means "to make something a secret." This construction is very common in Japanese for turning nouns into verbs (noun + にする).

§ Examples of 秘密にする in Use

Translation hint: Please keep this a secret.

Translation hint: They kept the plan secret.

Translation hint: She is keeping my birthday present a secret.

§ Similar Words and When to Use 秘密にする

While 秘密にする is the most direct way to say "to keep a secret," you might encounter other phrases that convey similar ideas. Understanding the nuances will help you choose the best word for the situation.

• 隠す (kakusu) - To hide:

  This verb means to physically hide something, or to conceal information in a more general sense. It's about making something not visible or not known. While keeping a secret involves hiding information, 隠す can also be used for objects.

  宝物を隠した。

  Translation hint: I hid the treasure.

  真実を隠そうとした。

  Translation hint: He tried to hide the truth.

• 黙っている (damatte iru) - To keep silent/to say nothing:

  This phrase focuses on the act of not speaking, which can be a way of keeping a secret, but it doesn't always imply that there's a specific secret being kept. It can just mean being quiet.

  彼は何も黙っていた。

  Translation hint: He kept silent about nothing (said nothing).

  その件については黙っていてください。

  Translation hint: Please keep quiet about that matter.

• 口外しない (kougai shinai) - Not to disclose/not to speak openly:

  This is a more formal and stronger way to say "don't disclose" or "don't tell anyone." It implies a commitment to not share information, often in a professional or serious context. It carries a similar weight to 秘密にする but with a slightly more formal tone.

  この情報は絶対に口外しないでください。

  Translation hint: Please absolutely do not disclose this information.

In summary, 秘密にする is your most versatile and common phrase for "to keep a secret" in Japanese. While other phrases exist, they often carry additional nuances related to physical concealment, silence, or formality. Practice using 秘密にする in your conversations, and you'll sound much more natural!