Usage and Context
The term 保密 (bǎo mì) is commonly used to describe the act of keeping information secret or confidential. It often appears in professional, legal, or personal contexts where privacy is important.
Common Collocations
- 保密协议 (bǎo mì xié yì): confidentiality agreement, a legal contract to protect secrets.
- 保密措施 (bǎo mì cuò shī): confidentiality measures, steps taken to ensure information is not leaked.
- 保密工作 (bǎo mì gōng zuò): confidentiality work, tasks related to maintaining secrecy.
Nuances
Using 保密 implies a responsibility or obligation to protect information. It is more formal and serious than just 'not telling' and often involves trust or legal duty. It is frequently used in business, medical, and governmental contexts.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 保密 with 秘密 (mì mì), which means 'secret' as a noun. 保密 is a verb phrase meaning 'to keep secret.' For example, 保密信息 means 'keep information confidential,' while 秘密信息 means 'secret information.'