Meaning

Primary

Tip-Off

Alternatives

Informing, Snitching

Word Type

noun, verbal noun

Explanation

In secrecy, you announce something to the authorities. Why? Because you are giving them a tip-off. The person you're informing on might even say you're snitching.

密告 means secretly informing on someone — usually about wrongdoing or a crime — to the authorities or a person in charge. It carries a strong negative tone, often suggesting betrayal or sneaky behavior, like reporting a fellow gang member's drug possession to the police.

Reading

みっこく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own. The みつ goes to みっ.

Context

Context Sentences

いつの時代でも、密告をすることで上司に取り入って、出世をねらう人間がいます。

In every era, there are people who try to curry favor with their bosses and get ahead by snitching on others.

密告者の証言で、事件の全容が明らかになった。

The informant's testimony revealed the full scope of the case.

戦時中には、ご近所同士の密告制度がありました。

During the war, there was a system in place for neighbors to inform on each other.

とある会社の脱税について、税務署に密告したいと思ってるんです。

I'd like to inform the tax office about a certain company's tax evasion.

Kanji Composition