Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Trust" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "trust", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
信用
しんよう (shin'yō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
信望
しんぼう (shimbō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "trust" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 信用 and 信望.
In Japanese, 信用 (しんよう (shin'yō)) is typically associated with "trust; credit; confidence" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to trust or credit based on past actions, achievements, or collateral. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 信望 (しんぼう (shimbō)) maps to "trust and popularity; confidence of others; high prestige" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to trust and popularity combined, or the confidence and prestige one enjoys from subordinates, colleagues, or citizens. Often used as 信望が厚い. A literal translation of "trust" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "信用"
彼は一度も嘘をついたことがないので、深く信用されています。
Because he has never told a lie, he is deeply trusted.
Bilingual Context for "信望"
部下たちの意見を忍耐強く聞き入れるその誠実な人柄により、彼は社内でも圧倒的な_______を集めていました。
Due to his sincere personality of patiently listening to subordinates' opinions, he gathered overwhelming trust and popularity in the company.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は一度も嘘をついたことがないので、深く ＿＿＿ されています。" (Meaning: "Because he has never told a lie, he is deeply trusted.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "信用" fits here because it means "trust; credit; confidence" in the context of: "Because he has never told a lie, he is deeply trusted.". "信望" represents "trust and popularity; confidence of others; high prestige".