Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Trust" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "trust", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
信用する
しんようする (shinyōsuru)
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 信用する and 信望.
In Japanese, 信用する (しんようする (shinyōsuru)) is typically associated with "to trust; to believe; to rely on; to credit" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to trusting someone's professional capability, believing a partner's word based on evidence, or relying on credit/system stability. Opposing word: 疑う. Often used as 信用を得る or 信用第一. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To trust/believe! "I trust your leadership and every word you speak 100%, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Trusting me 100%! B-Baka! Don't treat trust like credit limits! But... since you trust me so deeply, I suppose... I will also place my absolute, sweet trust only in you! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しんよう（信用）するよ！『ハルカ部長、あなたの仕事ぶりと誠実さは完璧です！僕のハートの信用格付けは、あなたに対して永久にトリプルA（最上級）です！』って…っ！信用の格付け！バカ！/// 金融機関のレーティングみたいに言うんじゃないの！…でも、その最上級の信用、絶対に裏切らずに一生私だけをハグして甘やかし続けなさい！』.
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 "信用する"
彼は長年にわたる地道なシステム保守の安定実績によって、重要クライアントから完全に_______ています。
He is completely trusted by important clients due to his stable record of steady system maintenance over many years.
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: "彼は長年にわたる地道なシステム保守の安定実績によって、重要クライアントから完全に_______ています。" (Meaning: "He is completely trusted by important clients due to his stable record of steady system maintenance over many years.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "信用する" fits here because it means "to trust; to believe; to rely on; to credit" in the context of: "He is completely trusted by important clients due to his stable record of steady system maintenance over many years.". "信望" represents "trust and popularity; confidence of others; high prestige".