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机密 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
机密jīmìsecretHSK 7, n, 17 strokes, rank #2879, Very Hard
机密jīmìclassified (information)HSK 7, n, 17 strokes, rank #2879, Very Hard
jīmì(ji1mi4)ji mi T1
  1. 1secret
  2. 2classified (information)
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March 24, 2026

机密(機密)jīmì(ji1mi4)

机密 (jīmì) refers to information that is confidential or classified, often used in contexts related to government, military, or corporate settings. The term emphasizes the need for secrecy and security, highlighting the importance of protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Strokes17Frequency#2879DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, the concept of 机密 is especially significant in the context of state security and information control, reflecting the government's emphasis on protecting national secrets and maintaining stability.

Memory Tip

Think of 机 (jī) as a 'machine' that keeps secrets safe and 密 (mì) as '密封' (sealed) – together they create a 'sealed machine' where all secrets are kept hidden. Imagine a top-secret vault where important information is guarded like a treasure.

Meanings of 机密

jīmì(ji1mi4)
1secret
2classified (information)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 机密

机密Simplified
機密Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#2879Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 机密

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Podcast: 机密

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AI Study Notes for 机密

Quick Contrast

秘密 (mìmì) refers to secrets in a general sense, while 机密 (jīmì) specifically denotes classified or confidential information, often in formal or official contexts.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 机密 with other terms for 'secret' like 秘密 (mìmì), which is more general and can apply to personal secrets. 机密 is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '机密文件' (classified documents) and '机密信息' (classified information).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 机密 is important for advanced learners, especially those interested in business or government topics. Students should focus on understanding its usage in formal contexts and its nuances in contrast to other similar terms.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 机密 with 秘密, using them interchangeably; for example, saying '我们有一个机密' (We have a secret) instead of '我们有一个秘密'. Remember that 机密 is more formal and specific to classified information.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 机密

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Component Characters

机Jīmachine
HSK 16 strokes木
View full entry
密mìname of an ancient state
HSK 611 strokes宀
View full entry

How to say secret in Chinese

“secret” in Chinese is机密jīmì

机密 (jīmì) refers to information that is confidential or classified, often used in contexts related to government, military, or corporate settings. The term emphasizes the need for secrecy and security, highlighting the importance of protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.

When to use 机密

Be careful not to confuse 机密 with other terms for 'secret' like 秘密 (mìmì), which is more general and can apply to personal secrets. 机密 is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '机密文件' (classified documents) and '机密信息' (classified information).

机密 or something close to it

秘密 (mìmì) refers to secrets in a general sense, while 机密 (jīmì) specifically denotes classified or confidential information, often in formal or official contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 机密 with 秘密, using them interchangeably; for example, saying '我们有一个机密' (We have a secret) instead of '我们有一个秘密'. Remember that 机密 is more formal and specific to classified information.

Write 机密

机
密

Practice writing 机密 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 机密

机密 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这一聚合物的性质目前是个商业____。

The nature of the polymer is currently a trade secret.

Example Sentences for 机密 (3)

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1
这一聚合物的性质目前是个商业机密。

zhè yī jù hé wù de xìng zhì mù qián shì gè shāng yè jī mì。

The nature of the polymer is currently a trade secret.
2
她从未参与过为任何人获取或复制机密文件之事。

tā cóng wèi cān yǔ guò wéi rèn hé rén huò qǔ huò fù zhì jī mì wén jiàn zhī shì。

She never participated in obtaining or copying any classified documents for anyone.
3
他吩咐员工将机密文件用碎纸机销毁。

tā fēn fù yuán gōng jiāng jī mì wén jiàn yòng suì zhǐ jī xiāo huǐ。

He instructed staff to shred sensitive documents.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 机密

机密 refers specifically to classified or confidential information, often in formal contexts, while 秘密 is a more general term for any kind of secret.

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