Translation guide
How to express suspicion toward a person, statement, or situation in Japanese, from mild doubt to strong distrust.
Expressing that you feel something is not right or that someone may be hiding something.
The most direct and common verb for 'to suspect' or 'to doubt'. Can be used for people, statements, or situations.
I'm suspicious of his story.
Literally 'think it's suspicious'. Very natural for expressing a gut feeling that something is off.
I'm a bit suspicious of that person.
A noun meaning 'suspicion' or 'doubt', often used in formal or news contexts. Commonly used with 持つ (to have).
Suspecting someone of a specific bad act, like cheating, stealing, or lying.
Being cautious because you suspect potential danger or trickery.
Means 'to be on guard' or 'to be wary'. Used when you are cautious about a person or situation that might be harmful.
Playfully suggesting someone is up to something, often among friends.
Adjective meaning 'suspicious', 'shady', or 'dubious'. Can be used lightly among friends.
In English, 'be suspicious of' often implies active distrust. In Japanese, 疑う can mean both 'suspect' and 'doubt'. Context clarifies which is meant. For simple disbelief, 信じない (I don't believe) may be clearer.
疑う is a direct verb for suspecting someone or something. 怪しいと思う is more about your impression that something is off. Use 疑う when you have a specific target of suspicion; use 怪しいと思う for a vague feeling.
I suspect he is the culprit.
I suspect she is lying.
I think this story is suspicious.
I have suspicions about him.
I'm suspicious of him.
I suspect he cheated on the exam.
Verb meaning 'to suspect' or 'to be suspicious of', slightly more formal than 疑う. Often used when you find someone's behavior questionable.
I'm suspicious of his behavior.
Literally 'cast doubt on'. Used when you openly express suspicion toward someone.
It's rude to be suspicious of him.
I'm suspicious of that man (and being careful).
Means 'to be careful' or 'to be cautious'. Implies taking precautions because you suspect something might go wrong.
I'm being cautious because it might be a scam.
You seem suspicious (joking).
Colloquial adjective meaning 'fishy' or 'shady'. Stronger than 怪しい, often implies distrust.
That salesman seems really suspicious.
I think this situation is suspicious.