Japanese word

信じる

Pronunciation

Romajishinjiru

Meaning

  • verbbelieve

Example

私はその話を信じます。watashi wa so no hanashi o shin ji ma su

I believe that story.

Illustration for 信じる (believe)

More examples

わたしは先生の話を信じます。wa ta shi wa sen sei no hanashi o shin ji ma su

I believe what my teacher says.

彼が必ず来ると信じています。kare ga kanara zu ku ru to shin ji te i ma su

I believe that he will definitely come.

Core concept

Treats a statement, person, or idea as true or reliable instead of doubting it.

Common phrases

  • 自分を信じるji bun o shin ji ru

    trust yourself

  • 人を信じるhito o shin ji ru

    trust people

Similar words

信用するshinyōsuru: To accept information or a person's words as true or accurate.
信頼するshinraisuru: To place confidence in a person's character, ability, or actions.

Definition in Japanese

人やその言葉、話などを本当だと思い、疑わずに受け入れること。hito ya so no koto ba hanashi na do o hon tō da to omo i utaga wa zu ni u ke i re ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese verb 信ずる (shinzuru) developed into 信じる (shinjiru), with 信 (shin, "trust" or "faith") expressing the core meaning.

Usage tips

  • Japanese uses 信じる (shinjiru) for both accepting a claim as true and placing confidence in a person, so context often determines whether believe or trust sounds more natural in English.

Other meanings

  • believe inverb
  • trustverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 信じ方shinjikataway of believingnoun

Word lists with this word