Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suspicion" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suspicion", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
疑惑
ぎわく (giwaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
猜疑
さいぎ (saigi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suspicion" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 疑惑 and 猜疑.
In Japanese, 疑惑 (ぎわく (giwaku)) is typically associated with "suspicion; doubt; distrust" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to having strong suspicion, doubt, or distrust about someone's actions, honesty, or truth. Often used with 抱く.
On the other hand, 猜疑 (さいぎ (saigi)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "suspicion" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "疑惑"
不正取引に関する_______が浮上し、社長は記者会見を開いて説明に追われました。
As suspicions regarding illegal transactions surfaced, the president was busy opening a press conference to explain.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "不正取引に関する_______が浮上し、社長は記者会見を開いて説明に追われました。" (Meaning: "As suspicions regarding illegal transactions surfaced, the president was busy opening a press conference to explain.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "疑惑" fits here because it means "suspicion; doubt; distrust" in the context of: "As suspicions regarding illegal transactions surfaced, the president was busy opening a press conference to explain.". "猜疑" represents "suspicion; distrust; jealousy; harboring suspicious doubts".