Translation guide
The English adjective 'convincing' describes something that makes you believe it is true or real. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, you choose expressions based on what is being described—an argument, a performance, evidence, or a person's manner.
Describing an argument, explanation, or reason that makes you believe or agree.
Literally 'has persuasive power'. The most common and versatile way to say an argument or explanation is convincing.
彼の説明は説得力があった。
His explanation was convincing.
もっと説得力のある理由を教えてください。
Please give me a more convincing reason.
Means 'understandable and acceptable'. Used when you are personally convinced or satisfied with the logic.
彼の提案は納得できるものだった。
His proposal was convincing (I could accept it).
Literally 'the logic runs through'. Emphasizes that the reasoning is coherent and logical.
彼の意見は筋が通っていて、説得力がある。
His opinion is logical and convincing.
Describing a performance, act, or lie that seems real or genuine.
Literally 'approaches truth'. Used for performances or acting that feel real and convincing.
彼の演技は真に迫っていた。
His acting was very convincing.
Means 'seems like the real thing'. Used for fake objects, lies, or performances that appear genuine.
彼の嘘は本物らしく聞こえた。
His lie sounded convincing.
Borrowed from English 'reality'. Common in casual speech to say a story or performance feels real.
あの映画のCGはリアリティがあってすごい。
The CG in that movie is really convincing.
Describing evidence or data that strongly supports a conclusion.
Means 'decisive' or 'conclusive'. Used for evidence that leaves no doubt.
決定的な証拠が見つかった。
They found convincing evidence.
Means 'strong' or 'powerful' in the sense of being highly credible. Often used with 証拠 (evidence) or 情報 (information).
有力な証拠がないと起訴できない。
They can't indict without convincing evidence.
Describing a person who speaks or presents in a way that makes others believe them.
Literally 'good at speaking'. Describes someone whose delivery is convincing.
彼は話し方が上手いから、みんな納得してしまう。
He's so convincing when he speaks that everyone ends up agreeing.
Literally 'skilled mouth'. Can mean 'smooth-talking' or 'persuasive', but sometimes carries a nuance of being glib or insincere.
Can imply the person is a bit too smooth or manipulative.
彼は口が上手いから、騙されないように気をつけて。
He's very convincing, so be careful not to be fooled.
説得力がある focuses on the objective power of the argument to persuade; 納得できる focuses on the listener's subjective acceptance. You can say 説得力はあるけど納得できない (It's persuasive but I'm not convinced).
The English word 'convincing' is often used as a simple adjective, but directly translating it as コンビンシングな is not natural Japanese. Always choose a phrase that fits the context.
それは説得力のある議論ですね。
That's a convincing argument.
彼女の演技はとても真に迫っていた。
She gave a very convincing performance.
もっと決定的な証拠が必要だ。
We need more convincing evidence.