Translation guide
The feeling or action of not trusting someone or something. In Japanese, this is often expressed through nouns like 不信, verbs like 疑う, or adjectives like 怪しい. The choice depends on whether you are describing a general lack of trust, active suspicion, or a cautious attitude.
Expressing a broad feeling of distrust toward a person, group, or system.
A noun meaning distrust, lack of confidence, or disbelief. Commonly used in compounds like 不信感 (feeling of distrust) or 不信を抱く (to harbor distrust).
彼に対する不信感が募っている。
My distrust of him is growing.
政治不信が広がっている。
Distrust of politics is spreading.
A noun meaning suspicion or doubt, often implying a specific questionable matter. Stronger than 不信 and often used in scandals or legal contexts.
彼の行動に疑惑の目が向けられた。
His actions were viewed with suspicion.
A noun meaning doubt or suspicion. Can be used for distrust, but often implies a more specific doubt about truth or honesty.
彼の言葉に疑いを持った。
I had doubts about his words.
Actively doubting or not believing a person, statement, or situation.
A verb meaning to doubt, suspect, or distrust. Can be used for people, statements, or motives.
私は彼の言うことを疑っている。
I distrust what he says.
彼女の能力を疑うわけではない。
It's not that I distrust her ability.
Literally 'do not trust'. A straightforward way to say you don't trust someone or something. 信用 means trust or confidence.
あの人は信用できない。
I can't trust that person.
To be suspicious of, to doubt. Often used when something seems off or questionable.
Describing a state of mind where you are wary or have a gut feeling that something is wrong.
An adjective meaning suspicious, dubious, shady. Often used for people, situations, or things that don't seem right.
あの男は怪しい。
That man looks suspicious.
怪しいと思ったら近づかない方がいい。
If you feel distrustful, it's better not to approach.
A situation where two parties do not trust each other.
A compound noun meaning mutual distrust. Often used in political or business contexts.
両国の間には相互不信が根強い。
There is deep-seated mutual distrust between the two countries.
A more conversational way to say 'they don't trust each other'.
彼らはお互いに信用していない。
They distrust each other.
不信 is a general feeling of distrust or lack of confidence. 疑惑 implies a specific suspicion, often about wrongdoing. 疑い is a broader term for doubt or suspicion, and can be used in everyday contexts.
There is no single verb that directly translates 'distrust'. Use 疑う (to doubt/suspect) or 信用しない (do not trust) depending on the nuance. Avoid creating non-existent verbs like 不信する.
彼の行動を怪しんでいる。
I'm suspicious of his behavior.
An adjective meaning doubtful, questionable, suspicious. More formal than 怪しい.
その情報は疑わしい。
That information is dubious.
A colloquial adjective meaning fishy, shady, suspicious. Often used for people or deals that seem untrustworthy.
あのセールスマンは胡散臭い。
That salesman seems shady.