1.
strict secrecy; highly confidential
The highest level of secrecy, indicating that information must be kept absolutely confidential. Used in official, military, and organizational contexts to classify sensitive information.
Usage
Used as a noun and as a の-modifier: 厳秘の文書 (strictly confidential document). Often seen stamped on documents or used in formal organizational communication. Stronger than 秘密 (secret) or 機密 (classified).
Common collocations
- 厳秘扱い (treated as strictly confidential)
- 厳秘事項 (strictly confidential matter)
- 厳秘文書 (strictly confidential document)
- 厳秘に付す (to keep in strict secrecy)
Similar words
秘密 (secret) is a general-purpose term, while 機密 (classified) is used for official or state secrets. 厳秘 implies the strictest level of confidentiality.