секре́т
sekrétmasculine
The English word 'secret' can be translated into Russian as секре́т (sekrét) or та́йна.
Meaning: knowledge that is hidden (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| секре́т | sekrét | masculine |
| та́йна | tájna | feminine |
Both words refer to knowledge that is hidden, but they are used in different contexts. та́йна carries a deeper sense of mystery and can be used for confidential or classified information. Related adjectives include секре́тный, which is used for officially classified or restricted items like a 'secret document' and та́йный, which describes things that are clandestine or hidden from view, such as a 'secret meeting'.
Which one should you use?
Use та́йна when referring to abstract, profound or mysterious secrets, such as a secret of the universe or a personal secret.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
секре́т is a masculine noun and follows masculine declension patterns. та́йна is a feminine noun and follows feminine declension patterns.
How do you pronounce it?
sekrét
Did you know?
- While секре́т means 'secret', it is also frequently used to mean a 'trick' or a 'knack' for doing something well, such as the секре́т of a great recipe.
- The word та́йна is often used in religious contexts to describe the 'Sacraments' of the Church, such as the 'Mystery of the Eucharist'. In this sense, it refers to a divine truth that is beyond human comprehension.
- In Russian, you can use the verb таи́ть to mean 'to harbor' or 'to conceal', often used with emotions like 'malice' or 'resentment'. One might 'harbor a secret grudge' by saying таи́ть злобу.
Examples in context
- Не раскрывайте свой секрет никому.Do not disclose your secret to anyone.
- Это важная тайна государства.This is an important state secret.
- Расскажи мне свой секретик.Tell me your little secret.
- Это мой маленький секре́т.Eto moy mal'en'kiy sekret.This is my little secret.
- Я узнал этот секре́т случайно.Ya uznal etot sekret sluchayno.I learned this secret by accident.
Example conversation
Sergey and Olga are talking about a surprise party.
- Сергей SergeyОльга, у меня есть секре́т.Ol'ga, u menya yest' sekret.Olga, I have a secret.
- Ольга OlgaРасскажи мне скорее!Rasskazhi mne skoreye!Tell me quickly!
- Сергей SergeyМы готовим вечеринку для друга.My gotovim vecherinku dlya druga.We are preparing a party for a friend.
- Ольга OlgaОй, я буду молчать.Oy, ya budu molchat'.Oh, I will keep quiet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “secret” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
