Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suspicion" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suspicion", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
猜疑
さいぎ (saigi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
容疑
ようぎ (yōgi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suspicion" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 猜疑 and 容疑.
In Japanese, 猜疑 (さいぎ (saigi)) is typically associated with "suspicion; distrust; jealousy; harboring suspicious doubts" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to harboring suspicious doubts, distrust, or jealousy toward others' honesty or motives. Often used as 猜疑心.
On the other hand, 容疑 (ようぎ (yōgi)) maps to "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」. A literal translation of "suspicion" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "猜疑"
度重なる裏切りにより、彼は他人に対して強い_______心を抱くようになってしまいました。
Due to repeated betrayals, he came to harbor a strong suspicious mind toward others.
Bilingual Context for "容疑"
彼は殺人容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "度重なる裏切りにより、彼は他人に対して強い_______心を抱くようになってしまいました。" (Meaning: "Due to repeated betrayals, he came to harbor a strong suspicious mind toward others.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "猜疑" fits here because it means "suspicion; distrust; jealousy; harboring suspicious doubts" in the context of: "Due to repeated betrayals, he came to harbor a strong suspicious mind toward others.". "容疑" represents "suspicion (of crime)".