Translating "Secret"

Translating the Word “Secret”

The word “secret” is central to Onetime Secret’s brand and functionality, but translating it effectively requires understanding the nuances across languages and cultures.

The Challenge

Direct translations of “secret” often carry connotations of:

• Personal, hidden information
• Confidential or classified data
• Something deliberately concealed
• Emotional or relationship secrets

However, in Onetime Secret’s context, we’re referring to:

• Confidential information being shared
• Temporary, secure content
• Professional or functional data
• Messages with security protection

Successful Approaches from Different Languages

Danish Example (Canonical)

Correct: “Beskeder” (messages) Incorrect: “Hemmeligheder” (secrets)

The Danish translation team identified that “hemmeligheder” implies personal or hidden affairs that don’t match the intended meaning. “Beskeder” better captures the nature of secure messages being shared.

Italian Adaptation

Shifted to: “messaggio” (message) and “monouso” (single-use) Away from: “segreto” (secret)

Italian translators found that “segreto” had similar personal/emotional connotations. They emphasized functional aspects instead:

• “Link monouso” instead of “Link segreti”
• “Crea messaggio” instead of “Crea segreti”

Chinese (Simplified) Strategy

Adopted: “内容” (content) and “一次性链接” (one-time links) Context: Moved away from “秘密” which implies personal secrets

The Chinese team emphasized the functional nature:

• “创建内容” (create content)
• “获取内容” (retrieve content)
• “一次性链接” (one-time links)

Japanese Approach

Maintained: “シークレット” (katakana loan word) Reasoning: Technical term that avoids personal connotations of “秘密”

Japanese kept the loan word to create a clear technical distinction from personal secrets.

Other Language Patterns

• German: “Geheimnis” works well in technical contexts
• Korean: “비밀 메시지” (secret message) emphasizes the message aspect
• Māori: “karere huna” (hidden message) focuses on the message nature
• Bulgarian: “тайна” (confidential) rather than personal secret implications

Guidelines for New Languages

When translating “secret” in your language:

1. Consider context over literal translation

   • What does “secret” imply in everyday usage?
   • Does it suggest personal/emotional content?

2. Explore functional alternatives

   • “message”, “content”, “information”
   • “one-time”, “temporary”, “secure”
   • “confidential”, “protected”, “private”

3. Test with technical users

   • Does the term sound professional?
   • Is it clear this is about sharing information securely?

4. Maintain consistency

   • Use the same term throughout the interface
   • Document your choice for other translators

Key Questions to Ask

• Does your translation suggest the content is being shared rather than hidden?
• Would a business professional feel comfortable using this term?
• Does it distinguish from personal/emotional secrets?
• Is it clear this is about temporary, secure information?

When in Doubt

If direct translation creates confusion, follow the Danish/Italian model:

• Emphasize the message or content aspect
• Highlight the temporary or one-time nature
• Focus on security rather than secrecy

The goal is clarity and professionalism, not literal translation fidelity.