Translation guide
The English word 'credible' describes something or someone that can be believed or trusted. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on what is being described: a person, a story, a source, or evidence. Common translations include 信頼できる (trustworthy/reliable) and 信用できる (believable). This guide organizes expressions by the type of credibility needed.
Describing a person, institution, or source that is reliable and can be trusted.
Most common and versatile. Literally 'can be trusted/reliable'. Used for people, organizations, information sources, etc.
彼は信頼できるジャーナリストだ。
He is a credible journalist.
I'm looking for a credible source of information.
Emphasizes believability or trustworthiness of a person's words or character. Often used for individuals.
彼の話は信用できる。
His story is credible.
Means 'certain', 'reliable', or 'solid'. Often used for information, evidence, or facts.
確かな証拠が必要だ。
We need credible evidence.
Formal/literary. Means 'has credibility'. Used for statements, reports, or claims.
その報告書は信憑性がある。
The report is credible.
Describing a narrative, statement, or excuse that seems true or plausible.
Potential form of 信じる (to believe). Means 'can be believed'. Natural for stories, claims, or excuses.
彼の言い訳は信じられるものではなかった。
His excuse was not credible.
その話はあまり信じられない。
That story is not very credible.
Literally 'has a ring of truth'. Used when something feels real or credible.
彼女の演技には真実味があった。
Her performance was credible.
Describing a threat, risk, or scenario that is realistic and should be taken seriously.
Means 'realistic'. Commonly used for threats, possibilities, or plans.
それは現実的な脅威だ。
That is a credible threat.
Means 'fully possible' or 'quite likely'. Used for scenarios or outcomes.
そのシナリオは十分にあり得る。
That scenario is credible.
信頼できる is broader and refers to reliability based on past performance or reputation. 信用できる is more about believing someone's words or character in a specific instance. For a credible source, 信頼できる is better. For a credible alibi, 信用できる or 信じられる works.
The English word 'credible' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as クレディブル is not natural. Choose the expression based on context.
Means 'plausible' or 'specious'. Often implies something sounds credible but may not be true. Can be slightly negative.
彼はもっともらしい嘘をついた。
He told a credible lie.