Translation guide
Expressing disbelief or skepticism in Japanese. The most natural ways depend on whether you are showing surprise, questioning something, or reacting to something hard to believe.
Reacting to something surprising or hard to believe, often with a facial expression or interjection.
Literally 'I can't believe it.' This is the most common and natural way to express incredulity in Japanese. It can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
What? I can't believe it!
I can't believe he would do such a thing.
An interjection expressing disbelief, like 'No way!' or 'You must be kidding!' Often used when you hear something unexpected.
Literally 'lie,' but used as an exclamation meaning 'You're kidding!' or 'No way!' Very casual.
Polite way to ask 'Really?' or 'Is that true?' It conveys incredulity in a more formal or polite manner.
Really? That's an unbelievable story.
Describing someone's attitude or expression as incredulous, often in narrative or descriptive contexts.
Literally 'half-believing, half-doubting expression.' This is a common way to describe an incredulous look.
He looked at me with an incredulous expression.
Literally 'eyes that seem to doubt.' Describes a skeptical or incredulous gaze.
An adjective meaning 'hard to believe' or 'incredible.' Can be used to describe a situation or story that evokes incredulity.
That's an incredible (hard-to-believe) story.
Expressing incredulity by questioning the truth or logic of a statement.
There is no single Japanese adjective that directly corresponds to 'incredulous.' Using a dictionary translation like 懐疑的 (かいぎてき, skeptical) may sound too formal or clinical. Instead, use phrases that convey the feeling of disbelief naturally.
信じられない is a straightforward statement of disbelief, while まさか is an interjection used when you are caught off guard. まさか often implies 'I never expected that.'
No way! Really?
No way! Is that even possible?
She listened to the story with an incredulous look in her eyes.