Meanings of 秘密
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Podcast: 秘密
Podcast: 秘密
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AI Study Notes for 秘密
秘密 (mìmì) vs 隐私 (yǐnsī) — use 秘密 for something that is intentionally kept from others, while 隐私 refers to personal privacy that may not necessarily be hidden.
Be careful not to confuse 秘密 (mìmì) with similar-sounding words that do not mean 'secret.' It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so understanding the nuance of privacy is important. Common collocations include '保持秘密' (bǎochí mìmì, to keep a secret) and '分享秘密' (fēnxiǎng mìmì, to share a secret).
As an HSK Level 5 word, 秘密 connects with other vocabulary related to privacy and confidentiality. Focus on its usage in various contexts, particularly in conversations about trust and interpersonal relationships, to reinforce understanding.
Learners often incorrectly use 秘密 in contexts where 'information' or 'news' would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我有一个秘密要告诉你' (I have a secret to tell you) is correct, but saying '我有一个信息要告诉你' (I have a secret information to tell you) is incorrect; instead, use '信息' (xìnxī) for 'information.'
Pronunciation of 秘密
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Jason Explains 秘密 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say secret in Chinese
“secret” in Chinese is秘密
秘密 (mìmì) refers to a secret, something that is kept hidden from others. It is commonly used in contexts involving confidential information, personal matters, or clandestine activities, often implying a sense of intimacy or trust when shared with someone.
When to use 秘密
Be careful not to confuse 秘密 (mìmì) with similar-sounding words that do not mean 'secret.' It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so understanding the nuance of privacy is important. Common collocations include '保持秘密' (bǎochí mìmì, to keep a secret) and '分享秘密' (fēnxiǎng mìmì, to share a secret).
秘密 or something close to it
秘密 (mìmì) vs 隐私 (yǐnsī) — use 秘密 for something that is intentionally kept from others, while 隐私 refers to personal privacy that may not necessarily be hidden.
What learners get wrong
Learners often incorrectly use 秘密 in contexts where 'information' or 'news' would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我有一个秘密要告诉你' (I have a secret to tell you) is correct, but saying '我有一个信息要告诉你' (I have a secret information to tell you) is incorrect; instead, use '信息' (xìnxī) for 'information.'
Write 秘密
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Practice writing 秘密 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 秘密
秘密 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
别担心，佩林先生，我会保守你的____。
Don'tworry, Mr Palin, your secret is safe with me.
Example Sentences for 秘密 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 秘密
You can say '我有一个秘密' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè mìmì), which means 'I have a secret.'
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