Translation guide
Expressing the state of being convinced or persuaded in Japanese. This concept covers both the process of becoming convinced and the resulting state of certainty.
Expressing that you are firmly convinced or certain about a fact, idea, or belief.
The most direct and common way to say 'I am convinced.' It implies a strong, often evidence-based conviction.
彼が無実だと確信している。
I am convinced that he is innocent.
Describing the process of becoming convinced or persuaded by someone or something.
To become convinced after understanding or accepting an explanation. Commonly used when someone's reasoning wins you over.
彼の話を聞いて納得した。
I became convinced after hearing his story.
Describing a person who is easily convinced or gullible.
Literally 'easy to deceive,' this describes someone who is gullible or easily convinced of false things.
彼は騙されやすい人だ。
He is easily convinced (gullible).
確信 (kakushin) is a strong, intellectual conviction often based on evidence. 納得 (nattoku) is conviction that comes from emotional or logical acceptance, often after an explanation. Use 確信 for facts, 納得 for understanding.
彼の無実を確信している。
I am convinced of his innocence (based on evidence).
彼の説明に納得した。
I was convinced by his explanation (I accepted it).
I am convinced that we will succeed.
Emphasizes that you are convinced after understanding or accepting an explanation. It carries a nuance of personal satisfaction with the reasoning.
彼の説明に納得している。
I am convinced by his explanation.
その理由には納得している。
I am convinced by that reason.
Means being convinced, but often with a nuance of a possibly mistaken belief or assumption. Use carefully, as it can imply stubbornness or error.
Can imply a mistaken conviction. Use 確信している for neutral or positive conviction.
彼は自分が正しいと思い込んでいる。
He is convinced that he is right (but he might be wrong).
I finally became convinced after hearing the explanation.
To come to hold a conviction. Slightly more formal and emphasizes the acquisition of certainty.
彼の無実に確信を持った。
I became convinced of his innocence.
To be persuaded or convinced by someone's argument. Passive form of 説得する (to persuade).
彼の熱意に説得された。
I was convinced by his enthusiasm.
Means simple or naive, often implying that someone is easily convinced because they don't think deeply.
彼は単純だからすぐ信じる。
He is simple-minded, so he gets convinced easily.