秘訣(ひけつ)

ひけつ
noun
secret, key, tip
1. secret (to success), key, tip
The crucial method, technique, or piece of knowledge that leads to success or a good result. Often translated as 'the secret to...' or 'the key to...'.
成功(せいこう)の秘訣(ひけつ)は努力(どりょく)だ。
The secret to success is hard work.
長生(ながい)きの秘訣(ひけつ)を教(おし)えてください。
Please tell me the secret to a long life.
料理(りょうり)が上手(じょうず)になる秘訣(ひけつ)は、毎日(まいにち)作(つく)り続(つづ)けることだと思(おも)う。
I think the key to becoming good at cooking is to keep making food every day.

秘訣(ひけつ) means the secret, key, or essential technique behind achieving success or a good result.

COMPOUND:
秘(ひ) (secret) + 訣(けつ) (key point, trick). The second kanji 訣(けつ) specifically refers to an essential trick or technique.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 成功(せいこう)の秘訣(ひけつ): the secret to success
  • 長生(ながい)きの秘訣(ひけつ): the secret to a long life
  • 健康(けんこう)の秘訣(ひけつ): the key to good health
  • 秘訣(ひけつ)を教(おし)える: to share a secret/tip
  • 秘訣(ひけつ)は～にある: the secret lies in ~

PATTERN:
Almost always appears as ～の秘訣(ひけつ) (the secret to...).

HOMOPHONE:
否決(ひけつ) (rejection, voting down) is pronounced identically but has a completely different meaning. Context usually makes the distinction clear.

general
Added 2026.2.26 23:24 · Revised 2026.4.2 16:10
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