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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Suspicion" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "suspicion", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

容疑

ようぎ (yōgi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

不審

ふしん (fushin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "suspicion" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 容疑 and 不審. In Japanese, 容疑 (ようぎ (yōgi)) is typically associated with "suspicion (of crime)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Typically used in legal or crime contexts, referring to suspicion of having committed a crime. Often used with verbs like 「かかる」. On the other hand, 不審 (ふしん (fushin)) maps to "suspicion; doubt; untrustworthiness; suspicious (な-adj.)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes something or someone that raises questions or distrust due to unusual behavior or appearance. Can be used as a な-adjective. A literal translation of "suspicion" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "容疑"
彼は殺人容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Bilingual Context for "不審"
不審な人物がうろついていると警察に通報があった。
There was a report to the police that a suspicious person was loitering.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "彼は殺人 ___ で逮捕された。" (Meaning: "He was arrested on suspicion of murder.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "容疑" fits here because it means "suspicion (of crime)" in the context of: "He was arrested on suspicion of murder.". "不審" represents "suspicion; doubt; untrustworthiness; suspicious (な-adj.)".