Translation guide
The English word "belief" covers a range of ideas from personal conviction to religious faith. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean a firmly held opinion, trust in someone, religious faith, or a general sense that something is true.
Expressing that you think something is true or right, often based on your own reasoning or values.
A firmly held personal belief or conviction, often about principles, life, or how things should be done. Carries a sense of strong will.
彼は自分の信念を決して曲げない。
He never compromises his beliefs.
私の信念では、正直が一番大切だ。
It is my belief that honesty is most important.
A general word for 'thought' or 'opinion'. Softer than 信念 and used for everyday beliefs or views.
私の考えでは、それは間違いだ。
In my belief, that is wrong.
A strong conviction or certainty that something is true. Often used when you are convinced based on evidence or gut feeling.
彼が成功するという確信がある。
I have a firm belief that he will succeed.
Expressing that you believe someone is reliable, honest, or capable, or that something will happen as expected.
Trust or reliance on someone's character, ability, or truthfulness. Often used in relationships or professional contexts.
私は彼を信頼している。
I have belief in him.
彼女は上司の信頼を得た。
She gained her boss's belief.
Trust or credit, often in a financial or social sense. Implies believing someone's words or promises.
The verb 'to believe'. Can be used for trusting a person or believing a statement. Very common.
Referring to belief in a god, gods, or a religious system.
Religious faith or belief. Used for organized religion, worship, and spiritual conviction.
彼は仏教を信仰している。
He holds a belief in Buddhism.
信仰の自由は基本的人権だ。
Freedom of belief is a basic human right.
Piety or devoutness; often implies a personal, heartfelt religious belief rather than institutional doctrine.
Expressing a general belief that a fact or situation is real, without necessarily having proof.
The most common way to say 'I believe (that)...' in the sense of 'I think'. Softens assertions.
彼は来ると思う。
I believe he will come.
Stronger than 思う; implies you accept something as true, often without evidence or despite doubt.
Literally 'I am thinking that...'. Used for considered beliefs or opinions.
私はそれが正しいと考えている。
I hold the belief that it is correct.
信念 is a personal conviction or principle. 信仰 is religious faith. 信頼 is trust in a person or thing. Do not mix them up. For example, 'I have belief in my friend' should use 信頼, not 信念 or 信仰.
友人を信頼している。
I have belief in my friend.
English 'belief' is often translated with a verb phrase in Japanese. Saying '私の信念は...' can sound stiff. Use 〜と思う or 〜と考えている for everyday opinions.
彼の言葉を信用していいのか？
Can I place belief in his words?
私はあなたを信じています。
I have belief in you.
祖母は信心深い人だ。
My grandmother is a person of deep belief.
私は幽霊の存在を信じている。
I believe in the existence of ghosts.