How to Say Trust in Japanese

If you want to express the concept of “trust” in Japanese, there are several words and phrases you can use, depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “trust” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive right in!

Formal Expressions:

When it comes to formal situations or conversations, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are some formal ways to say “trust” in Japanese:

1. 信頼 (shinrai)

The most common word for “trust” in Japanese is 信頼 (shinrai). It is a neutral and widely used term in formal settings. For example, you could say:

私はあなたを信頼しています。 (Watashi wa anata o shinrai shiteimasu.) I trust you.

In this sentence, “watashi wa” means “I,” “anata” means “you,” and “shinrai shiteimasu” means “trust.”

2. 信用 (shin’you)

Another formal word for “trust” is 信用 (shin’you). This term is often used in a business or financial context. For instance:

その銀行は信用があります。 (Sono ginkou wa shin’you ga arimasu.) That bank is trustworthy.

Here, “sono ginkou” means “that bank,” and “shin’you ga arimasu” means “is trustworthy.”

Informal Expressions:

In more casual or personal situations, you can use less formal expressions to convey the idea of “trust.” Here are some options:

1. 信じる (shinjiru)

The verb 信じる (shinjiru) translates to “to trust” and is commonly used in informal conversations. For example:

僕は彼を信じてるよ。 (Boku wa kare o shinjiteru yo.) I trust him.

In this sentence, “boku wa” means “I” (casual form), “kare” means “him,” and “shinjiteru yo” means “trust.”

2. 信用する (shin’you suru)

Using the verb 信用する (shin’you suru) is another way to convey trust informally. This phrase is more commonly used in spoken Japanese. For instance:

あの人を信用してるんだけど。 (Ano hito o shin’you shiterun da kedo.) I trust that person, but…

In this example, “ano hito” means “that person,” and “shin’you shiterun da kedo” means “I trust, but…” The ending “kedo” is a casual way to say “though” or “but.”

Variations across Regions:

Japanese, as a language, does not have significant regional variations when it comes to the word “trust.” However, it’s worth noting that dialects and local colloquialisms might introduce slight variations in certain areas. Generally, the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood and used throughout Japan.

Tips:

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using these expressions:

• Be aware of the appropriate level of formality based on the situation.
• Remember to adjust your verb endings and pronouns to match your intended level of politeness.
• Use context cues to determine the appropriate expression for “trust” depending on the circumstances.

With these tips and examples, you should now have a solid understanding of how to say “trust” in Japanese. Whether you’re having a formal or informal conversation, you can confidently convey your trust in others using the appropriate expressions. Enjoy exploring the rich nuances of the Japanese language!