信じて
shinjite
The phrase "believe it" in Japanese is expressed using the default form 信じて (shinjite).
While the English phrase "believe it" can refer to accepting a fact as true, the Japanese imperative form 信じて is more frequently used to mean "trust me" or "have faith in me."
Which one should you use?
In English, "believe it" can refer to a fact, but in Japanese, 信じて is often used to ask for someone's trust or faith in a person or thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 信じて is the te-form of the verb and functions as a casual imperative. Adding ください to this form, making it 信じてください, turns the command into a polite request meaning "Please believe (it/me)".
How do you pronounce it?
shinjite
Did you know?
- In Japanese song lyrics and drama, the phrase 信じて is a common trope used to signal a turning point in a relationship. It is often used when a character is being accused of betrayal and is begging for one last chance.
- The concept of 'faith' in 信じて can be split between 信頼 (trust based on reliability) and 信用 (trust based on social standing or credit).
- In a professional context, asking someone to 'believe' or 'trust' a plan is often phrased as お任せください, which literally means 'please leave it to me'.
Examples in context
- 信じてないの？Don't you believe it?This sentence uses the form 信じて to ask if someone does not believe it.Tatoeba #8842275 by small_snow, translation #8261207 by CK
- 私も信じてるよ。I believe it too.This sentence uses the form 信じて to state that the speaker believes it too.Tatoeba #8842274 by small_snow, translation #6736491 by Eccles17
- 本当に信じてるの？Do you really believe it?This sentence uses the form 信じて to ask if someone really believes it.Tatoeba #10723636 by small_snow, translation #3823352 by CK
- 本当にそうだと思うよ。I truly think so.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A brother trying to reassure his sister about a secret.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、本当に大丈夫なの？Youta, hontou ni daijoubu nano?Youta, is it really okay?
- 陽太 Yota大丈夫だから、僕を信じて。Daijoubu dakara, boku o shinjite.It's fine, so believe me.
- 陽葵 Himariどうしても不安だよ。Doushitemo fuan dayo.I can't help but feel anxious.
- 陽太 Yota僕のことを信じてほしいんだ。Boku no koto o shinjite hoshii nda.I want you to believe in me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
