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.
He never compromises his beliefs.
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.
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.
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.
I have belief in him.
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.
He holds a belief in Buddhism.
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.
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.
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.
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.
She gained her boss's belief.
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.
Freedom of belief is a basic human right.
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.