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
信頼する
しんらいする (shinrai suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "trust" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 信用 and 信頼する.
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, 信頼する (しんらいする (shinrai suru)) maps to "to trust; to rely on; to have confidence in" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A する-verb meaning 'to trust' or 'to rely on'. It expresses a strong belief in someone's honesty, ability, or reliability. Can be used for people, organizations, or products. Often used in formal or serious contexts.. 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 "信頼する"
彼はどんな時も約束を守るので、皆から信頼されています。
He is trusted by everyone because he always keeps his promises.
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.". "信頼する" represents "to trust; to rely on; to have confidence in".