Translation guide
The English word 'suspect' can be a verb (to think something is likely, to doubt, to think someone is guilty) or a noun (a person suspected of a crime). This guide covers both uses, with natural Japanese equivalents organized by meaning.
Expressing a belief that something is probably the case, often based on intuition or incomplete evidence.
The most common and neutral way to say 'I suspect that...' or 'I think that...'. It simply states your belief.
彼は来ないと思う。
I suspect he won't come.
Expresses a hunch or feeling that something is the case. Softer and more intuitive than ～と思う.
何か忘れている気がする。
I suspect I'm forgetting something.
An adjective meaning 'suspicious' or 'dubious'. Often used when you suspect something is not right or trustworthy.
あの話はちょっと怪しい。
I suspect that story is a bit fishy.
A verb meaning 'to doubt' or 'to suspect'. Stronger than ～と思う, implying skepticism or distrust. Often used when questioning the truth of something.
彼の言葉を疑う。
I suspect his words (are not true).
Believing that a person is responsible for a wrongdoing, often without proof.
The standard way to say 'suspect someone of something'. The object is the person, and the crime or act is marked with ～の疑いで or a clause.
警察は彼を殺人の疑いで疑っている。
The police suspect him of murder.
彼が嘘をついているのではないかと疑っている。
I suspect he is lying.
Literally 'to cast suspicion on'. Used when you suspect someone or when suspicion is directed at someone.
彼にスパイの疑いがかけられた。
He was suspected of being a spy.
A verb meaning 'to suspect' or 'to be suspicious of'. Less common than 疑う, but can be used in similar contexts.
Referring to someone who is thought to have committed a crime, especially in legal or police contexts.
The standard term for a suspect in a criminal investigation. Used by police and media.
容疑者はまだ見つかっていない。
The suspect has not been found yet.
A legal term for a suspect, often used in formal or legal documents. Similar to 容疑者 but more technical.
被疑者の権利を守る。
Protect the rights of the suspect.
Means 'criminal' or 'perpetrator'. Sometimes used loosely for 'suspect' in casual speech, but it implies guilt. Use with caution.
犯人 assumes the person is guilty, unlike 'suspect' which implies uncertainty. Only use when the guilt is established or in casual exaggeration.
疑う (うたがう) is the most common verb for 'to suspect' or 'to doubt'. 怪しい (あやしい) is an adjective meaning 'suspicious' and is used to describe things or situations. 怪しむ (あやしむ) is a less common verb similar to 疑う but often implies a vague suspicion based on appearance or behavior.
English 'suspect' as a noun is almost always translated as 容疑者 in formal contexts. Using 疑われる人 is possible but unnatural. Stick to 容疑者 or 被疑者 for legal/crime contexts.
彼の行動を怪しむ。
I suspect his behavior.
犯人はまだ捕まっていない。
The suspect/criminal hasn't been caught yet.