信じて
shinjite
The English phrase 'believe me' is translated into Japanese as 信じて (shinjite).
In Japanese, the object 'me' (私を or 私のことを) is often omitted when the context makes it clear that the speaker is the one being believed.
Meaning: be assured (phrase)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 信じて is informal and should be used with friends, family or people of lower social status. Shinjite kudasai (信じてください) is a polite way to say 'please believe me'. Shinjite moraemasu ka? (信じてもらえますか？) translates to 'Can I receive (the favor of) being believed by you?' Shinjite yo (信じてよ) is an informal phrase used among friends that translates to 'believe me' or 'trust me'. Maji de shinjite (マジで信じて) is a colloquial expression meaning 'seriously, believe me' or 'for real, trust me'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください (kudasai) to the end of 信じて makes the phrase a polite request: 'Please believe me'.
How do you pronounce it?
shinjite
Did you know?
- While 信じて is used for belief in a person's word, the word 信頼 ('shinrai') is used for professional or systemic trust, such as trusting a bank or a business partner.
- The colloquialism マジで (maji de) used in 'Maji de shinjite' actually originated from the word 'majime' (真面目), meaning 'serious' or 'earnest'.
- To express 'I believe you' in a way that implies 'I have faith in your character', Japanese speakers often use 信じてる ('shinjiteru') in the continuous form rather than a simple present tense.
Examples in context
- 信じてくれる？Do you believe me?This sentence uses 信じて to ask a question.Tatoeba #145739 by tommy_san, translation #268823 by CK
- 本当に信じて欲しい。I really want you to believe me.This sentence uses 信じて to express a desire for someone to believe you.Tatoeba #11310710 by small_snow, translation #3949974 by AlanF_US
- 私のこと信じてないの？Don't you believe me?This sentence uses 信じて in a negative question.Tatoeba #10008736 by bunbuku, translation #69326 by CK
- 私を信じてくださいPlease believe me.
- 私の言葉を信じてもらえますか？Can you believe my words?
- マジで信じて、後悔しないからBelieve me, you won't regret it.
- マジで信じて！Seriously, believe me!
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta is trying to reassure Himari about a mistake he made.
- 健太 Kenta信じて、次は絶対に遅れないから。Shinjite, tsugi wa zettai ni okurenai kara.Believe me, I definitely won't be late next time.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に？また同じこと言わないでね。Honto ni? Mata onaji koto iwanaide ne.Really? Don't say the same thing again.
- 健太 Kenta約束するよ、信じて。Yakusoku suru yo, shinjite.I promise, believe me.
- 陽葵 Himari分かった、信じるわ。Wakatta, shinjiru wa.Okay, I'll believe you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
