How to Say "I Believe" in Japanese

信じています

shinjite imasu

The Japanese phrase for "I believe" is 信じています (shinjite imasu).

This phrase is used to express trust in someone or a strong conviction that something is true.

Which one should you use?

While 思います means "I think" and is used for opinions, 信じています is used for deep-seated belief or trust.

The default form 信じています uses the polite -masu ending. For informal situations, the phrase can be used as 信じている (shinjite iru).

shinjite imasu

The kanji 信 used in this phrase is composed of two parts: 'person' (人) and 'speech' (言), suggesting that trust is built on the words a person speaks.
In a professional setting, stating 信じています about a subordinate's ability can actually sound a bit condescending, as it implies a vertical power dynamic of granting trust.
While English speakers often say 'I believe' as a hedge to soften an opinion, using 信じています in Japanese would sound intensely dramatic and overly serious.

自分を信じています。
I believe in myself.
This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 信じています regarding self-belief.
Tatoeba #10617801 by small_snow, translation #2857294 by AlanF_US
無実だと信じています。
I believe in your innocence.
This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 信じています regarding someone's innocence.
Tatoeba #13863228 by small_snow, translation #10019594 by ddnktr
トムが正しいと信じています。
I believe Tom is right.
This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 信じています to express belief in someone's correctness.
Tatoeba #199880 by bunbuku, translation #37082 by CK
8 more sentences on Tatoeba

Ren and Yui are talking about a friend's success.

蓮 Ren

彼なら成功すると信じています。
Kare nara seikou suru to shinjite imasu.
I believe he will succeed.
結衣 Yui

蓮さんは本当に優しいですね。
Ren-san wa hontou ni yasashii desu ne.
Ren, you are really kind.
蓮 Ren

ただ、彼を信じているだけです。
Tada, kare o shinjite iru dake desu.
I just believe in him.
結衣 Yui

その気持ち、大切にしてください。
Sono kimochi, taisetsu ni shite kudasai.
Please cherish that feeling.

Sources

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