What to say instead of “this is confidential”
Why it can fall flat
“this is confidential”
Without a reason or a next step, “this is confidential” can sound like a slammed door or a hint that you distrust the person asking. Usually you just want to protect the information and stay on good terms.
Say this instead
- 01
That's something I'm not able to discuss, as it's confidential. Happy to help with the rest of the project, though.
Coworker · Chat
Use this when a colleague fishes for details, since it closes the topic and keeps things friendly by offering other help.
- 02
Hi Pallavi, I'm not able to share those details as they're covered by confidentiality. I can go through what I am able to discuss, if that helps.
Client · Email
Try this when a client asks for internal or third-party information, because it gives a reason and points to what you can share.
- 03
I've been asked to keep that confidential, so I'd rather not share it unless the owner agrees. Could you check with them?
Boss · Chat
Send this when your manager asks for something you were told to protect, since it passes the decision to the person who owns it.
- 04
I'm sharing this with you in confidence, so please don't pass it on. If anyone asks, send them to me.
Someone you manage · Chat
This fits when you tell someone you manage something sensitive, because it sets the expectation clearly and doesn't read as a threat.
- 05
I'm unable to share another customer's details. I can help with anything on your own account, though.
Customer · SMS
Reach for this when a customer asks about someone else's information, as it states the limit and returns to what you can do.
- 06
I'd prefer not to share internal figures from my current employer, as they're confidential. Happy to talk through my experience and what I'm looking for.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Pick this when a recruiter probes for company-specific numbers, since it protects your employer and keeps the focus on your background.
- 07
Can't get into that one, it's confidential. Nothing personal, I just can't share it.
Coworker · SMS
Casual and quick, this suits a text to a colleague outside office hours when you want to stay warm but firm.
- 08
That part is confidential, so I'll keep it out of this thread. Let's stick to the scope and delivery dates.
Client · Chat
Use this in a live client chat when talk drifts into off-limits areas and you want to steer it back politely.
Examples
Hi Michelle, Thanks for asking about the vendor contract terms. That information is confidential, so I'm not able to share or discuss it. I'm happy to go through the delivery timeline with you, which I can talk about openly. Best, Eric
Hi Arin, I can't go into the contract terms because they're confidential, but I can share the delivery dates. Want me to send those over?
What to avoid
- Hinting at the secret, such as “I wish I could tell you, but...”, only invites more questions.
- A cold one-liner with no reason or next step can feel like an accusation.
- Over-explaining why it's confidential backfires, because the more detail you give, the more you reveal.
- Saying “between you and me” and then sharing it anyway defeats the whole point.
- Sounding suspicious of the person asking will sour the exchange, so keep your tone neutral.