At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '机密' (jīmì) very often, but it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a very strong word for 'secret.' At this level, you mostly use the word '秘密' (mìmì). However, if you see '机密' on a sign or a folder in a movie, it means 'Do not look! This is for important people only.' It is made of two parts: '机' (machine/important part) and '密' (secret). You can remember it as 'Important Secret.' In simple sentences, you might see it in a movie where a spy says 'This is jīmì.' Just remember that it is much more serious than a secret about what you ate for lunch. It is usually used for government things or big companies. If you are a beginner, just know that when you see these characters, it means something is very confidential and you should probably not share it with anyone else.
For A2 learners, '机密' (jīmì) starts to become more useful as you learn about work and formal situations. You should know that '机密' is different from '秘密' (mìmì). While '秘密' is a general secret, '机密' is used for 'classified' or 'confidential' things. For example, if you work in an office, your company might have '商业机密' (shāngyè jīmì), which means 'trade secrets.' You should not tell these to people from other companies. You might see this word in news titles about the government. A common sentence at this level would be: '这是机密文件' (This is a confidential document). You don't need to use it in every conversation, but you should use it when you want to sound more professional. Remember that '机' often relates to machines or systems, so '机密' is a secret that is part of a system or an organization. It is a formal word, so use it in formal places.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '机密' (jīmì) correctly in professional and formal contexts. You should understand that this word is an adjective and a noun that describes information requiring protection from unauthorized access. You should be able to distinguish it from '隐私' (yǐnsī - privacy) and '秘密' (mìmì - secret). For instance, '隐私' is about your personal life, but '机密' is about a company or a state. At this level, you should learn common verb pairings (collocations) like '保守机密' (to keep a secret) and '泄露机密' (to leak a secret). You will hear this word in news reports about international relations or corporate espionage. You might say, '我们必须签署保密协议以保护公司的机密' (We must sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect the company's secrets). Understanding the weight of this word is important; it implies that there are rules or laws protecting the information. If you use '机密' instead of '秘密' in a business meeting, you will sound much more competent and aware of professional norms.
By the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '机密' (jīmì) and its place in the hierarchy of secrecy. You should know that '机密' is often one level of classification in a system that also includes '秘密' (secret) and '绝密' (top secret). You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences involving legal or political topics. For example, you might discuss '泄露国家机密罪' (the crime of leaking state secrets) or '核心商业机密' (core trade secrets). You should also be able to use the word in the passive voice, such as '这些信息被列为机密' (This information is classified as confidential). At this level, you should also recognize related terms like '密件' (confidential document) and '密谈' (confidential talk). You should understand the social implications of the word—how it defines power and access to information in a hierarchy. When writing, you can use '机密' to elevate the tone of your essay or report. You should also be aware of the verb '保密' (to keep secret) and how it functions as a related action to the state of being '机密'.
At the C1 level, your use of '机密' (jīmì) should be precise and contextually appropriate. You should understand the legal definitions and the historical weight of the term. You should be able to discuss the ethics of '机密' in the context of whistleblowing, government transparency, and digital privacy. You should be familiar with idiomatic expressions and formal academic phrasing involving the word. For example, you might analyze how '机密性' (confidentiality) is a core principle in fields like law, medicine, and data science. You should also be able to distinguish '机密' from more literary or obscure synonyms like '隐秘' (obscure/hidden) or '幽秘' (mysterious and hidden). Your ability to use '机密' in high-level debates about national security versus the public's right to know will demonstrate advanced proficiency. You should also be sensitive to the register; using '机密' in a casual setting might be seen as hyperbolic or ironic, and you should be able to deploy it for such stylistic effects. You should also understand how '机密' interacts with modern technology, such as in '机密计算' (confidential computing).
At the C2 level, you should possess a masterly command of '机密' (jīmì), including its etymological roots and its role in the complex tapestry of Chinese sociopolitical discourse. You should be able to engage in deep discussions about the 'State Secrets Law' of China and how the definition of '机密' has evolved over time. You should be able to interpret the subtle differences between '机密', '绝密', and '内部' (internal/for internal eyes only) in bureaucratic documents. Your usage should reflect an understanding of how '机密' can be used as a tool of governance and control. You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated literary contexts, perhaps exploring the tension between the '机密' of the state and the '秘密' of the individual. You should be familiar with historical anecdotes where the leaking of a '机密' changed the course of Chinese history. At this level, you are not just using a word; you are navigating a complex cultural and legal concept that is central to understanding how power is exercised and protected in a Chinese-speaking context. You can use the word with absolute precision in any formal, legal, or academic setting.

机密 in 30 Seconds

  • Formal term for classified or confidential information.
  • Used in government, military, and business contexts.
  • Implies a system of protection and legal consequences.
  • Stronger and more official than the general word '秘密'.

The Chinese word 机密 (jīmì) is a high-stakes term used to describe information that is not just private, but strategically sensitive. While the general word for 'secret' is 秘密 (mìmì), 机密 carries a much heavier weight, typically referring to classified information, state secrets, or high-level corporate intelligence. The first character, 机 (jī), historically refers to a mechanism, a loom, or a crucial point of a machine—suggesting something that is central to how a system functions. The second character, 密 (mì), means dense, close, or hidden. Together, they form a concept of 'the hidden mechanism' or 'the vital secret.' In modern usage, it functions as both an adjective meaning 'confidential' or 'classified' and a noun meaning 'a secret' or 'classified information.'

Register and Tone
Formal, professional, and serious. You will encounter this in legal documents, government briefings, and high-level business negotiations. It is rarely used for personal gossip or small talk.
Scope of Use
Applies to national security, technological patents, financial strategies, and legal cases where non-disclosure is mandatory.

这份文件被列为国家机密。(Zhè fèn wénjiàn bèi liè wèi guójiā jīmì.)

Translation: This document is classified as a national secret.

Understanding when to use 机密 versus 秘密 is a hallmark of reaching intermediate proficiency. If you are talking about a surprise party, you use 秘密. If you are talking about a military operation or a trade secret that could bankrupt a company if leaked, you use 机密. The word is frequently paired with verbs like 'to protect' (保护 bǎohù), 'to leak' (泄露 xièlù), or 'to keep' (保守 bǎoshǒu). In a corporate setting, employees often sign a 'Confidentiality Agreement,' which in Chinese is often referred to using 机密 or 保密 (bǎomì).

我们必须保守公司的商业机密。(Wǒmen bìxū bǎoshǒu gōngsī de shāngyè jīmì.)

Translation: We must maintain the company's trade secrets.

In Chinese history, the concept of keeping 'the mechanism' secret was vital for survival in court politics and warfare. The word reflects a cultural emphasis on discretion and the strategic value of information. When you hear this word in a news broadcast or a movie, it usually signals a plot involving espionage, high-level corruption, or groundbreaking scientific research. It is a word that demands respect and implies consequences if the information is mishandled.

Collocation: 泄露机密
To leak classified information. This is a common legal charge in many jurisdictions.

严禁向外界提供任何机密信息。(Yánjìn xiàng wàijiè tígōng rènhé jīmì xìnxī.)

Translation: It is strictly forbidden to provide any confidential information to the outside world.

Using 机密 effectively requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective (modifying a noun) or as a noun itself. It most commonly appears in the structure [Noun] + 机密, such as 商业机密 (trade secrets) or 军事机密 (military secrets). Because the word implies a formal classification, it often follows verbs of classification, protection, or violation.

Usage as an Adjective
When used as an adjective, it describes the nature of information or a document. Example: '机密文件' (Confidential document). Note that it doesn't usually take the intensifier '很' (very) because secrecy is often binary in a formal sense.

这是一项极其机密的任务。(Zhè shì yī xiàng jíqí jīmì de rènwù.)

Translation: This is an extremely confidential mission.

In the sentence above, 极其 (extremely) is used instead of to emphasize the high level of sensitivity. Another common pattern is using 机密 as the object of a verb. For example, '保守机密' (to keep a secret). Here, the focus is on the action of maintaining the confidentiality of the information.

Usage as a Noun
As a noun, it refers to the secret information itself. Example: '泄露国家机密' (to leak state secrets). In this context, it is a formal term for sensitive data.

他因为涉嫌窃取商业机密而被捕。(Tā yīnwèi shèxián qièqǔ shāngyè jīmì ér bèibǔ.)

Translation: He was arrested on suspicion of stealing trade secrets.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the level of formality. If you are describing a personal secret between friends, using 机密 might sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. However, in a professional report or a formal speech, it is the only appropriate choice for sensitive information. It is also worth noting that 机密 is often used in passive structures with (bèi) to indicate that something has been classified or compromised.

政府对这些机密数据进行了加密处理。(Zhèngfǔ duì zhèxiē jīmì shùjù jìnxíngle jiāmì chǔlǐ.)

Translation: The government has encrypted these confidential data.

Finally, consider the verb 保密 (bǎomì), which means 'to keep something secret' or 'to maintain confidentiality.' While 机密 is the noun/adjective for the secret itself, 保密 is the action of keeping it. You might say, '请为此事保密' (Please keep this matter secret), but you would refer to the matter itself as a '机密事件' (confidential matter).

Common Pattern: [Verb] + [Adjective] + 机密
Example: '涉及核心机密' (shèjí héxīn jīmì) - involving core secrets.

所有的机密档案都存放在保险柜里。(Suǒyǒu de jīmì dàng'àn dōu cúnfàng zài bǎoxiǎnguì lǐ.)

Translation: All confidential archives are stored in the safe.

In daily life, you are most likely to encounter 机密 in the media, legal contexts, and professional environments. It is a staple of news reporting, especially when discussing international relations, government policy, or high-profile criminal cases. When a journalist says '根据机密消息' (according to confidential sources), they are adding a layer of authority and intrigue to their report. This word establishes a boundary between public knowledge and restricted information.

In the Workplace
HR departments and legal teams use this word constantly. Employee salaries, performance reviews, and upcoming strategic pivots are all treated as '机密'. When you sign an employment contract, look for the section titled '保密协议' (Non-Disclosure Agreement), which will detail the '机密信息' you are required to protect.

公司的新产品研发属于核心机密。(Gōngsī de xīn chǎnpǐn yánfā shǔyú héxīn jīmì.)

Translation: The company's new product research and development is a core secret.

In popular culture, 机密 is the bread and butter of spy thrillers and political dramas. Shows like 'In the Name of People' (人民的名义) or any Chinese detective series will use this word to build tension. Characters will whisper about '机密文件' that could bring down powerful figures. It creates a sense of danger and importance. If a character says, '这是机密,我不能告诉你' (This is classified, I can't tell you), it immediately signals that the stakes are higher than a simple personal secret.

这份报告的内容是高度机密的。(Zhè fèn bàogào de nèiróng shì gāodù jīmì de.)

Translation: The content of this report is highly confidential.

You might also hear it in academic or scientific settings, particularly when discussing proprietary research or data that hasn't been published yet. Universities and research institutes have strict '机密管理办法' (confidentiality management measures) to prevent intellectual property theft. In these contexts, the word is used to define the boundaries of ethical and legal conduct. If you are a student or researcher, you might be warned not to '泄露实验机密' (leak experimental secrets).

News Media Phrase
'泄露国家机密罪' (The crime of leaking state secrets). This is a formal legal charge frequently mentioned in news reports regarding espionage or whistleblowing.

他因泄露军事机密被判刑。(Tā yīn xièlù jūnshì jīmì bèi pànxíng.)

Translation: He was sentenced for leaking military secrets.

The most common mistake learners make with 机密 is using it in place of 秘密 (mìmì) or 隐私 (yǐnsī). Because English often uses 'secret' or 'private' broadly, it’s easy to misapply the formal 机密 to personal situations. For instance, saying '我有你的机密' (I have your classified info) to a friend about their crush sounds bizarre and overly formal, unless you are joking. You should use 秘密 for personal secrets.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 隐私 (Privacy)
'隐私' refers to personal privacy (like your home address or medical history). '机密' refers to institutional or strategic secrets. You protect your '隐私', but you guard a '机密'.

Incorrect: 保护我的机密是我的权利。
Correct: 保护我的隐私是我的权利。

Explanation: Personal privacy should be '隐私'.

Another error involves the verb pairing. Learners often use 说 (shuō - say) or 告诉 (gàosù - tell) when they should use 泄露 (xièlù - leak) or 透露 (tòulù - reveal/disclose). While '告诉' is grammatically correct, it doesn't match the formal register of 机密. Using the correct verb shows a deeper understanding of Chinese collocations. For example, instead of '我告诉了你机密', use '我向你透露了机密'.

Mistake 2: Overusing Intensifiers
Avoid saying '这个文件很机密' (This file is very confidential). In formal Chinese, something is either '机密' or it isn't. If it's extra secret, use '绝密' (Top Secret) or '高度机密' (Highly Confidential).

Incorrect: 这件事很机密
Correct: 这件事属于高度机密

Explanation: Using '属于' (belongs to) or '高度' (highly) is more natural for this formal word.

Lastly, be careful with the word order when using 机密 as an adjective. It usually comes before the noun directly, without the particle 的 (de) if it's a fixed term like '机密文件'. Adding is not wrong, but omitting it in established phrases makes you sound more like a native speaker. Conversely, if you are describing a situation as confidential, you must use . Mastery of these small nuances separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers.

Incorrect: 别告诉别人我的机密
Correct: 别告诉别人我的秘密

Explanation: For a personal secret, use '秘密'.

To truly master 机密, you must be able to distinguish it from its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a state secret, a personal matter, or a piece of gossip.

机密 (jīmì) vs. 秘密 (mìmì)
'秘密' is the general word for secret. It can be used for anything from a 'secret recipe' to a 'secret crush.' '机密' is restricted to official, legal, or high-level contexts. If '秘密' is a locked drawer, '机密' is a biometric safe in a government building.
机密 (jīmì) vs. 绝密 (juémì)
'绝密' means 'top secret' or 'absolutely confidential.' It is the highest level of classification. Use '绝密' only for information that would cause catastrophic damage if leaked.
机密 (jīmì) vs. 隐私 (yǐnsī)
'隐私' is about personal privacy and individual rights. It covers things like your bank balance, your home life, or your personal history. '机密' is about institutional security.

比较:
1. 这是我的个人隐私。(Personal privacy)
2. 这是公司的商业机密。(Trade secret)
3. 这是我们的小秘密。(Small secret)

Other alternatives include 隐秘 (yǐnmì), which describes something hidden or obscure (often used in a more literary or physical sense, like an 'obscure path'), and 内幕 (nèimù), which means 'inside story' or 'behind-the-scenes information.' 内幕 is often used in journalism to describe revealing the truth about a scandal. If you are talking about a 'leak' in the sense of a whistleblowing revelation, you might use 揭秘 (jiēmì) as a verb, meaning 'to reveal the secret' or 'to debunk.'

In a military context, you might also hear 密令 (mìlìng) for 'secret orders' or 密电 (mìdiàn) for 'secret telegram.' These terms are more specific than the broad category of 机密. When discussing financial or technological secrets, 核心机密 (core secrets) is a powerful phrase that emphasizes that the information is at the very heart of the organization's success or security.

他向媒体透露了这桩丑闻的内幕。(Tā xiàng méitǐ tòulùle zhè zhuāng chǒuwén de nèimù.)

Translation: He revealed the inside story of this scandal to the media.

Finally, consider 秘闻 (mìwén), which refers to 'secret news' or 'anecdotes' that are not publicly known. This is more informal and often used in the context of historical figures or celebrities. While 机密 is serious and official, 秘闻 is more about curiosity and unauthorized stories. Choosing between these words requires a keen sense of the social context and the nature of the information being discussed.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Tang Dynasty, there was a government office called the 'Confidential Office' (机密房) which handled the emperor's most sensitive documents.

Pronunciation Guide

UK dʒiː miː
US dʒiː miː
First syllable high, second syllable sharp drop.
Rhymes With
衣 (yī) 机 (jī) 西 (xī) 其 (qí) 意 (yì) 利 (lì) 记 (jì) 气 (qì)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'jī' as 'zhī' (common for beginners).
  • Using the wrong tone for 'mì' (making it flat instead of falling).
  • Confusing 'jī' with 'qī'.
  • Failing to distinguish the 'j' sound from the English 'j' (it's more like a soft 'j' or 'dz').
  • Incorrectly merging the two characters into one sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are common but the context is often formal/technical.

Writing 4/5

The character '机' is easy, but '密' has many strokes and requires practice.

Speaking 3/5

Tones are important to distinguish it from other 'ji' and 'mi' words.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized in news or formal contexts due to distinct phrasing.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

秘密 国家 文件 保护

Learn Next

绝密 隐私 泄露 透露 协议

Advanced

情报学 非对称加密 知识产权 保密制度

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

泄露出去 (Leaked out)

Passive Voice with 被

机密被发现了 (The secret was discovered)

Attributive Adjectives

机密的信息 (Confidential information)

Noun Compounds

商业机密 (Trade secret)

Prohibition with 严禁

严禁泄露机密 (Strictly forbidden to leak secrets)

Examples by Level

1

这是机密。

This is a secret/classified.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

2

他有一个机密。

He has a secret (classified info).

Using '机密' as a noun.

3

机密文件在哪里?

Where is the confidential document?

Using '机密' as an adjective modifying '文件'.

4

不要说这个机密。

Don't say this secret.

Negative imperative sentence.

5

那是国家机密。

That is a state secret.

Using '国家' to specify the type of secret.

6

我看机密书。

I am reading a confidential book.

Simple present tense.

7

这是我的机密。

This is my secret (formal/serious).

Possessive '我的' before the noun.

8

机密是不可以说的。

Secrets cannot be told.

Using '不可以' for prohibition.

1

公司有很多商业机密。

The company has many trade secrets.

Using '商业' (business) as a modifier.

2

请保护好这份机密资料。

Please protect this confidential information well.

Using '请' for a polite request.

3

他泄露了公司的机密。

He leaked the company's secrets.

Using the verb '泄露' (leak).

4

这些机密信息很重要。

This confidential information is very important.

Using '这些' (these) to specify the information.

5

警察在查机密案子。

The police are investigating a confidential case.

Progressive aspect with '在'.

6

我们需要保守这个机密。

We need to keep this secret.

Using '需要' (need) and '保守' (keep/maintain).

7

这是机密,你不能看。

This is classified, you cannot look.

Using '不能' for inability/prohibition.

8

机密文件被偷了。

The confidential documents were stolen.

Passive voice with '被'.

1

员工必须签署机密协议。

Employees must sign a confidentiality agreement.

Using '必须' (must) for obligation.

2

他因为泄露国家机密被捕了。

He was arrested for leaking state secrets.

Cause-effect structure with '因为...被...'.

3

这项技术属于核心机密。

This technology belongs to the core secrets.

Using '属于' (belong to) for classification.

4

我们应当严格遵守机密制度。

We should strictly abide by the confidentiality system.

Using '应当' (should) and '严格' (strictly).

5

这封信被标记为“高度机密”。

This letter was marked as 'Highly Confidential'.

Using '标记为' (marked as).

6

他拒绝透露任何机密细节。

He refused to reveal any confidential details.

Using '拒绝' (refuse) and '透露' (reveal).

7

由于涉及机密,会议不对外开放。

Due to involving secrets, the meeting is not open to the public.

Using '由于' (due to) and '涉及' (involve).

8

这些机密数据需要加密处理。

These confidential data need to be encrypted.

Using '加密处理' (encryption processing).

1

任何泄露机密的行为都将受到严惩。

Any act of leaking secrets will be severely punished.

Using '任何...都将...' (Any... will...).

2

由于机密泄露,整个计划被迫中止。

Due to the leak of secrets, the entire plan was forced to stop.

Using '被迫' (be forced to) and '中止' (suspend/terminate).

3

这份机密报告揭示了公司的财务危机。

This confidential report revealed the company's financial crisis.

Using '揭示' (reveal/disclose) for a report's function.

4

他深知保守机密对于国家安全的重要性。

He deeply understands the importance of keeping secrets for national security.

Using '深知' (know deeply) and '对于...的重要性'.

5

该项目的研发过程是极其机密的。

The research and development process of the project is extremely confidential.

Using '极其' (extremely) for emphasis.

6

为了防止机密外泄,公司加强了网络安全。

To prevent secrets from leaking out, the company strengthened cybersecurity.

Using '为了防止' (in order to prevent).

7

他被控告犯有窃取商业机密罪。

He was accused of the crime of stealing trade secrets.

Using '被控告' (be accused of).

8

这些机密档案只有少数高层人员可以查阅。

Only a few high-level personnel can access these confidential archives.

Using '只有...才...' structure (implied).

1

在信息时代,如何界定国家机密的范围是一个难题。

In the information age, how to define the scope of state secrets is a difficult problem.

Using '界定' (define) and '范围' (scope).

2

由于涉及外交机密,该文件的解密期被延长了。

Due to involving diplomatic secrets, the declassification period of the document has been extended.

Using '解密期' (declassification period) and '延长' (extend).

3

他试图通过非法手段获取竞争对手的核心机密。

He tried to obtain the core secrets of his competitors through illegal means.

Using '通过...手段' (through... means).

4

这种机密性的维护不仅是法律要求,更是职业道德的体现。

The maintenance of this confidentiality is not only a legal requirement but also an embodiment of professional ethics.

Using '不仅是...更是...' (not only... but also...).

5

泄露这种级别的机密可能会引发严重的国际争端。

Leaking secrets of this level could trigger serious international disputes.

Using '引发' (trigger) and '国际争端' (international dispute).

6

虽然他是内部人员,但也没有权限接触这类机密。

Although he is an insider, he does not have the authority to access such secrets.

Using '虽然...但...' and '权限' (authority/permission).

7

这些机密资料的真实性仍有待进一步考证。

The authenticity of these confidential materials still needs further verification.

Using '有待' (remains to be) and '考证' (verify/research).

8

政府必须在国家机密与公众知情权之间寻找平衡。

The government must find a balance between state secrets and the public's right to know.

Using '在...与...之间寻找平衡'.

1

这种深层机密的泄露,无疑是对国家安全机制的一次严峻考验。

The leak of such deep secrets is undoubtedly a severe test for the national security mechanism.

Using '无疑是' (undoubtedly is) and '严峻考验' (severe test).

2

他在回忆录中披露了当年那些鲜为人知的政坛机密。

In his memoirs, he disclosed those little-known political secrets of the past.

Using '披露' (disclose) and '鲜为人知' (little-known).

3

对于机密信息的过度保护有时反而会阻碍社会进步。

Overprotection of confidential information can sometimes hinder social progress instead.

Using '过度保护' (overprotection) and '阻碍' (hinder).

4

该法案旨在加强对跨国企业商业机密的跨国法律保护。

The bill aims to strengthen the transnational legal protection of trade secrets for multinational corporations.

Using '旨在' (aim to) and '跨国' (transnational).

5

这些机密指令的下达过程充满了戏剧性的转折。

The process of issuing these secret instructions was full of dramatic twists.

Using '下达' (to issue/deliver) and '戏剧性' (dramatic).

6

他因卷入这场机密交易而陷入了前所未有的信誉危机。

He fell into an unprecedented credibility crisis due to his involvement in this secret deal.

Using '陷入' (fall into) and '前所未有' (unprecedented).

7

机密性的丧失往往意味着竞争优势的彻底瓦解。

The loss of confidentiality often means the complete collapse of a competitive advantage.

Using '往往意味着' (often means) and '瓦解' (collapse/disintegrate).

8

在处理此类敏感机密时,必须保持最高程度的审慎。

When handling such sensitive secrets, one must maintain the highest degree of prudence.

Using '此类' (this kind of) and '审慎' (prudence/caution).

Synonyms

秘密 隐私 核心信息 内部资料

Common Collocations

国家机密
商业机密
军事机密
泄露机密
保守机密
核心机密
高度机密
机密文件
涉及机密
窃取机密

Common Phrases

严守机密

— To strictly keep a secret. Often used as an instruction.

大家要严守机密。

机密等级

— The classification level of a secret. Used in bureaucracy.

确定该文件的机密等级。

机密性

— Confidentiality. The quality of being secret.

保证数据的机密性。

机密任务

— A confidential mission. Common in action movies.

他正在执行机密任务。

机密协议

— A confidentiality agreement. Common in business.

签署一份机密协议。

解密机密

— To declassify a secret. Used for old documents.

政府解密了三十年前的机密。

机密档案

— Confidential archives/files.

查阅机密档案。

机密信息

— Confidential information.

不要在公共网络传输机密信息。

机密数据

— Confidential data.

保护客户的机密数据。

机密谈话

— A confidential conversation.

他们进行了一次机密谈话。

Often Confused With

机密 vs 秘密 (mìmì)

秘密 is general; 机密 is formal/classified.

机密 vs 隐私 (yǐnsī)

隐私 is personal; 机密 is institutional.

机密 vs 隐秘 (yǐnmì)

隐秘 is about being physically hidden or obscure.

Idioms & Expressions

"守口如瓶"

— To keep one's mouth shut like a bottle; to be very tight-lipped.

他对公司的机密守口如瓶。

Common
"秘而不宣"

— To keep something secret and not announce it.

他们的合作计划一直秘而不宣。

Formal
"泄露天机"

— To leak a secret of heaven; to reveal a secret that should not be known.

他无意中泄露了天机。

Literary/Sarcastic
"密不可分"

— Too close to be separated. (Uses 'mì' for closeness).

这两个问题密不可分。

Common
"神机妙算"

— Wonderful foresight and strategic planning. (Uses 'jī' for strategy).

诸葛亮真是神机妙算。

Literary
"事以密成"

— Success depends on secrecy.

古人云:事以密成,语以泄败。

Classical
"若无其事"

— As if nothing happened (often used when keeping a secret).

他泄露了机密后还若无其事。

Common
"深藏不露"

— To hide one's light under a bushel; to keep one's talents or secrets hidden.

他这个人深藏不露。

Common
"讳莫如深"

— To keep something a closely guarded secret; to be very secretive.

对于那个机密,他讳莫如深。

Formal
"不露声色"

— To not show one's feelings or intentions.

他处理机密文件时始终不露声色。

Common

Easily Confused

机密 vs 秘密

Both mean 'secret' in English.

机密 is for official/legal contexts; 秘密 is for personal/general contexts.

这是我的秘密 (personal) vs 这是国家机密 (official).

机密 vs 隐私

Both involve information not meant for others.

隐私 is about individual rights and personal life; 机密 is about strategic protection.

个人隐私 (privacy) vs 商业机密 (trade secret).

机密 vs 绝密

They sound similar and both mean secret.

绝密 is the highest level of 机密 (Top Secret).

这份文件是绝密的。

机密 vs 内幕

Both refer to unknown information.

内幕 is the 'inside story' of an event; 机密 is the 'classified' status of info.

他揭露了丑闻的内幕。

机密 vs 隐蔽

Both relate to hiding.

隐蔽 is a verb/adjective for physical concealment.

那个地方很隐蔽 (The place is well-hidden).

Sentence Patterns

A1

这是[Noun]。

这是机密。

A2

[Noun]是机密的。

这个文件是机密的。

B1

不要[Verb]机密。

不要泄露机密。

B1

[Noun]涉及机密。

这个案子涉及机密。

B2

为了[Goal],必须[Action]机密。

为了安全,必须保守机密。

C1

[Subject]被列为[Level]机密。

该数据被列为高度机密。

C1

由于[Reason],机密被[Action]。

由于管理不善,机密被泄露了。

C2

[Concept]与机密性息息相关。

网络安全与数据机密性息息相关。

Word Family

Nouns

机密 (Secret)
秘密 (Secret)
绝密 (Top Secret)
密件 (Secret Document)

Verbs

保密 (To keep secret)
泄密 (To leak secret)
解密 (To declassify)
加密 (To encrypt)

Adjectives

机密的 (Confidential)
秘密的 (Secret)
隐秘的 (Hidden)

Related

情报 (Intelligence)
隐私 (Privacy)
安全 (Security)
档案 (Archives)
内幕 (Inside story)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and media contexts; rare in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '机密' for a friend's secret. 秘密

    机密 is too formal for personal gossip.

  • Saying '很机密'. 高度机密

    机密 is a binary state or formal level; '很' is too informal.

  • Confusing '机密' with '隐私'. 隐私

    Privacy (yǐnsī) is personal; 机密 is institutional.

  • Using '说' with '机密'. 泄露 / 透露

    Formal secrets are 'leaked' or 'disclosed', not just 'said'.

  • Writing '机密' for 'to keep secret'. 保密

    机密 is the noun/adj; 保密 is the verb.

Tips

Context Matters

Always check if the secret involves an organization. If yes, use '机密'. If it's just between two people, use '秘密'.

No 'Hen'

Don't use '很' with '机密'. It's like saying 'very classified'. Use '高度' instead.

Learn Pairs

Memorize '泄露机密' and '保守机密' together. They are the most useful phrases.

Legal Weight

In China, '国家机密' is a very serious matter. Be careful when discussing it.

Character Tip

The '密' character has '山' (mountain) at the bottom. Think of a secret hidden deep in a mountain.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure the fourth tone on 'mì' is sharp. If it sounds like 'mǐ', it could mean rice!

News Keywords

When you hear '涉及' (involve), listen for '机密' right after it in news reports.

NDA

A Non-Disclosure Agreement is a '保密协议'. You will see this in every job contract.

Ancient Strategy

Remember that '机' also means strategy. '机密' is a strategic secret.

Compare

Keep a list of '秘密', '机密', '隐私', and '绝密' to remind yourself of the hierarchy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'jī' as a 'machine' and 'mì' as 'mysterious'. A machine's internal workings are often a mystery to outsiders. 'jīmì' = The machine's mystery (Classified info).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red stamp slamming down on a file folder with the characters 机密. The file is then put into a high-tech safe.

Word Web

Security Classified Government Business Leak Safe Privacy Strategy

Challenge

Try to explain the difference between '秘密' and '机密' to a friend using only Chinese for the two words.

Word Origin

The term '机密' combines '机' (jī) and '密' (mì). In ancient Chinese, '机' referred to the trigger of a crossbow or the crucial parts of a loom, symbolizing the 'mechanism' or 'key point' of a situation. '密' meant dense, close, or hidden. Together, they described the vital, hidden mechanisms of state or military strategy.

Original meaning: The hidden, crucial parts of a system or plan.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word in China regarding political topics, as '国家机密' is a serious legal category.

In English, 'Classified' is usually government-only, while 'Confidential' is more corporate. '机密' covers both.

The 'State Secrets Law' (中华人民共和国保守国家机密法). Historical spy dramas like 'The Message' (风声). The movie 'Lust, Caution' (色,戒) involving wartime secrets.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Corporate Meeting

  • 商业机密
  • 保密协议
  • 核心技术
  • 内部资料

Government News

  • 国家机密
  • 有关部门
  • 法律责任
  • 泄露

Spy Movie

  • 机密任务
  • 窃听
  • 行动计划
  • 绝密文件

Legal Contract

  • 机密条款
  • 违约责任
  • 披露
  • 第三方

Academic Research

  • 实验数据
  • 专利申请
  • 未公开
  • 保密性

Conversation Starters

"你知道如何保护公司的商业机密吗?"

"你觉得国家机密和公众知情权哪个更重要?"

"在你们国家,泄露机密会有什么后果?"

"如果你发现了一个巨大的机密,你会怎么做?"

"你曾经签署过机密协议吗?"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对‘机密’这个词的理解,它在现代社会中有什么作用?

想象你是一名间谍,描述一次窃取机密文件的经历。

讨论一下互联网时代保护个人隐私和公司机密的挑战。

如果世界上没有任何机密,生活会变成什么样?

描述一次你必须保守某个重要机密的时刻。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes, but it is much more formal. Think of it as 'classified' or 'confidential'. In English, you can have a 'secret recipe,' but in Chinese, that would be a '秘密配方,' not a '机密配方' unless it's a corporate patent.

It sounds very dramatic or sarcastic. If you say '我有你的机密' to a friend, it sounds like you are playing a spy game. Use '秘密' for normal personal things.

绝密 (juémì) means 'Top Secret.' It is the highest level of classification. 机密 is the standard 'Confidential' or 'Classified' level.

You say '商业机密' (shāngyè jīmì). This is a very common phrase in business and law.

Yes, '机' (jī) means machine, but it also means 'crucial point' or 'mechanism.' In '机密,' it refers to the important mechanism of a system.

Use '保守' (bǎoshǒu) to keep it, and '泄露' (xièlù) to leak it. These are the most standard collocations.

No, it is a noun or an adjective. To use it as a verb 'to keep secret,' use '保密' (bǎomì).

Not really. You'll hear it at work or in the news, but you won't use it to talk about your weekend plans.

You would write the characters '机密' usually in red ink, often inside a rectangular box.

Not necessarily. It is a neutral term for protected info. However, '泄露机密' (leaking secrets) is definitely negative.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write 'This is a secret' using '机密'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write 'Confidential document' in Chinese.

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writing

Write 'Don't leak the secret.'

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writing

Write 'Trade secret' in Chinese.

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writing

Translate: 'He was arrested for leaking state secrets.'

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writing

Translate: 'This is a core secret of the company.'

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writing

Translate: 'We must balance state secrets and the public's right to know.'

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writing

Translate: 'The confidentiality of the data is very important.'

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writing

Translate: 'The leak of deep secrets tested the national security mechanism.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '讳莫如深' and '机密'.

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writing

Write 'My secret' using '机密'.

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writing

Write 'State secret' in Chinese.

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writing

Write 'Keep the secret.'

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writing

Write 'Confidential information' in Chinese.

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writing

Write 'Highly confidential' in Chinese.

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writing

Write 'Military secret' in Chinese.

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writing

Write 'To declassify a document.'

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writing

Write 'Confidentiality agreement.'

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writing

Write 'To disclose political secrets.'

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writing

Write 'Unprecedented credibility crisis.'

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speaking

Say 'This is a secret' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Confidential document' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I must keep the secret.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain 'State secret' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the importance of trade secrets.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Argue for or against government transparency regarding secrets.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Where is the secret?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Don't leak it.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Sign the agreement.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Core technology is secret.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It triggered a dispute.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Prudence is required.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'jīmì'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Highly confidential'.

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speaking

Say 'Stealing secrets is a crime.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Declassify the file.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Company secret'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Personal privacy'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Information age'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'National security mechanism'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '这份文件是机密的。' What is the file status?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: '他泄露了国家机密。' What did he do?

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listening

Listen: '签署保密协议。' What needs to be signed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen: '核心机密。' What kind of secret is it?

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listening

Listen: '由于涉及机密,会议取消。' Why was the meeting cancelled?

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listening

Identify the word: 机密.

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listening

Listen: '那是机密。' Is it public?

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listening

Listen: '保守机密。' What is the action?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen: '窃取机密。' Is this legal?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen: '解密。' What happened to the secret?

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listening

Listen: '审慎。' What is the attitude?

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listening

Listen: '机密文件。' What object is mentioned?

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listening

Listen: '商业机密。' What domain is this?

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listening

Listen: '高度机密。' How secret is it?

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listening

Listen: '引发争端。' What was the result?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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