Translation guide
How to express being convinced in Japanese, from firm belief to reluctant acceptance.
I'm convinced he's innocent.
Literally 'I think there's no mistake', used to express strong belief or certainty in a slightly softer, more conversational way.
I'm convinced he'll come.
Adds 'absolutely' for emphasis. Common in casual speech to express strong conviction.
I'm absolutely convinced it'll be fine.
Describing the process of becoming convinced, often after seeing evidence or hearing an explanation.
To be convinced in the sense of understanding and accepting something logically or emotionally. Often used when someone explains something and you 'get it'.
I was convinced after hearing his explanation.
A more formal or literary term for being convinced or satisfied with an explanation. Less common in daily conversation.
I was convinced by his words.
Expressing that someone was convinced to do something, often after initial resistance.
Becoming convinced of something unfortunate or unpleasant, often through experience.
確信している is for a state of strong belief, while 納得する is for the moment of becoming convinced or accepting something. Use 確信している when you already believe something firmly; use 納得する when you just understood or accepted an explanation.
I'm convinced of his success.
I was finally convinced after hearing the explanation.
Avoid directly translating 'be convinced' as 説得されている for states of belief. 説得される is passive and implies someone persuaded you, often with effort. For 'I am convinced that...', use 確信している or 間違いないと思う.
I objected but was convinced against my will.