1.
closely; frequently
In close or frequent contact or communication. Describes maintaining tight coordination or interaction.
密に連絡を取る。
To stay in close contact.
関係者と密に連携して進めた。
We proceeded in close coordination with the parties involved.
両社は密に情報交換をしている。
The two companies are closely exchanging information.
2.
secretly; covertly
In a secret or hidden manner, without others knowing.
密に計画を立てた。
They secretly made a plan.
密に会っていたことが発覚した。
It was discovered that they had been meeting in secret.
二人は周囲に知られないように密に交際していた。
The two were secretly dating without those around them knowing.
密に is an adverb with two senses: closely/frequently (in coordination) and secretly/covertly. The meaning depends on context.
SENSE 1 — CLOSELY:
Describes tight, frequent coordination. Common in business and formal writing.
- 密に連絡を取る: to stay in close contact
- 密に連携する: to coordinate closely
- 密に情報交換する: to exchange information closely
SENSE 2 — SECRETLY:
Describes hidden or covert actions. Common in news and narrative contexts.
- 密に会う: to meet secretly
- 密に計画を立てる: to make a secret plan
- 密に交際する: to date in secret
RELATED:
- 密接に: closely, intimately (formal, no "secret" nuance)
- 秘密に: in secret (only the "secret" meaning)
- 頻繁に: frequently (neutral, no "close" nuance)