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
信頼
しんらい (shinrai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "trust" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 信用 and 信頼.
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, 信頼 (しんらい (shinrai)) maps to "trust; reliance; confidence" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to trust, reliance, or confidence placed in someone's character, ability, or honesty. Can be used with する as a verb. 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 "信頼"
彼は仕事が丁寧なので、多くの顧客から信頼されています。
Because his work is thorough, he is trusted by many clients.
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.". "信頼" represents "trust; reliance; confidence".