信頼
shinrai[ɕĩn̺ɾa̠i]
The Japanese word for 'trust' is 信頼 (shinrai).
信頼 is used to express being confident in someone's character or abilities.
Meaning: to be confident (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: the first kanji 信 carries the core meaning of belief or trust, and the second kanji 頼 carries the meaning of reliance or dependence.
Which one should you use?
Additionally, the word 信用 (shin'you) also means trust but is the preferred term in business or financial contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
shinrai
Did you know?
- The kanji 信 used in 信頼 originally depicted a person standing next to a word, symbolizing the act of 'speaking the truth'. This reflects an ancient cultural emphasis on the spoken word as the foundation of trust.
- In Japanese business, the phrase 信頼関係 (shinrai kankei) describes a bond of trust that is often considered more important than a formal written contract.
- While 信頼 refers to a deep emotional trust in character, the word 信用 describes a type of trust based specifically on observable evidence and track records.
Examples in context
- 彼女は信頼できる人だ。She is someone you can trust.This sentence shows how to use 信頼 to describe a person who can be trusted.Tatoeba #88599 by bunbuku, translation #1343393 by Chrikaru
- 私は彼を信頼している。I trust him.This sentence demonstrates the verb form of 信頼 to express trusting someone.Tatoeba #153601 by bunbuku, translation #1258628 by CK
- トムは信頼できる男だ。Tom is a man you can trust.This sentence uses 信頼 to describe a man who is trustworthy.Tatoeba #2465623 by tommy_san, translation #5938656 by CK
- 私はあなたを信頼しています。I trust you.
- その銀行は信用があります。That bank is trustworthy.
- あの人を信用してるんだけど。I trust that person, but…
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two coworkers are discussing a new project manager.
- 陽葵 Himari新しいマネージャーの信頼性は高いですか？Atarashii manējā no shinraisei wa takai desu ka?Is the new manager highly reliable?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、彼はとても信頼できる人ですよ。Hai, kare wa totemo shinrai dekiru hito desu yo.Yes, he is a very trustworthy person.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは安心しました。Sore wa anshin shimashita.That is a relief.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵さんもきっと気に入りますよ。Himari-san mo kitto kiniirimasu yo.I'm sure you'll like him too, Himari.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 信頼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
