confidentiel
/kɔ̃.fi.dɑ̃.sjɛl/
The English word "confidential" is translated into French as confidentiel.
confidentiel is an adjective used to describe something meant to be kept secret within a certain circle. You can use the specific phrase À usage confidentiel to mean "For confidential use". To emphasize that something must remain secret, you can say je compte sur votre discrétion.
Meaning: meant to be kept secret within a certain circle (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective takes the feminine form confidentielle when modifying a feminine noun like information.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kɔ̃.fi.dɑ̃.sjɛl/. It has 4 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse confidentiel with confiant, which means "confident" in the sense of being self-assured or trusting.
Did you know?
- In French administrative and military circles, confidentiel is not just a description but a specific official security classification level.
- In a professional context, saying sous le sceau du secret is a common idiomatic way to describe information that is strictly confidentiel.
- Unlike English, which uses 'confidential' for both business and personal secrets, French often prefers secret for personal matters and confidentiel for professional ones.
Examples in context
- C'est une information confidentielle.That's confidential information.This sentence shows how to use confidentiel with the noun 'information'.Tatoeba #8412278 by lbdx, translation #7120719 by CK
- Cette information est confidentielle.This information is confidential.This sentence demonstrates the use of the adjective to describe 'information'.Tatoeba #11384636 by Aiji, translation #58396 by CK
- Nous avons besoin de garder cela confidentiel.We need to keep this confidential.This sentence illustrates the verb phrase used with confidentiel.Tatoeba #1100117 by sacredceltic, translation #1096332 by CK
- La lettre est strictement confidentielle.The letter is strictly confidential.
- Je vais tout te dire en privé.I'll tell you everything in private.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a sensitive project in the office.
- ManonCe dossier est strictement confidentiel.This file is strictly confidential.
- LucasJe comprends, je ne dirai rien.I understand, I won't say anything.
- ManonMerci, Lucas, c'est très important.Thank you, Lucas, it is very important.
- LucasNe t'inquiète pas, Manon, c'est promis.Don't worry, Manon, it's a promise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confidential” translations and entries confidentiel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
