Translation guide
The English word "skepticism" can refer to a general attitude of doubt or questioning, or to a specific philosophical school. This guide focuses on how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese, from everyday doubt to formal philosophical terms.
Expressing a skeptical attitude toward a claim, idea, or person, without necessarily implying a formal philosophical stance.
The most direct and common translation for 'skepticism' as a general attitude of doubt. It can be used in both everyday and formal contexts.
彼の主張には懐疑的だ。
I'm skeptical of his claims.
そのニュースに対して懐疑の目を向ける。
I view that news with skepticism.
Describes a person who is habitually skeptical or distrustful. More about a personality trait than a momentary attitude.
彼は疑い深い性格だ。
He has a skeptical nature.
Literally 'half-belief, half-doubt'. Used when you are not fully convinced, often translated as 'skeptical' or 'dubious'.
その話を半信半疑で聞いた。
I listened to the story with skepticism.
A more roundabout way to express skepticism, meaning 'to think something is doubtful'. Less direct than 懐疑的.
彼の説明は疑わしいと思う。
I'm skeptical about his explanation.
Referring to the philosophical doctrine that true knowledge is impossible, or the school of thought that questions the possibility of certainty.
The standard term for philosophical skepticism. It directly translates to 'skepticism as a doctrine'.
彼は懐疑主義の哲学者だ。
He is a philosopher of skepticism.
Refers to skeptical arguments or the theory of skepticism. Often used in academic contexts.
A direct loanword from English, used mainly in academic or philosophical writing. Less common than 懐疑主義.
スケプティシズムは古代ギリシャに起源を持つ。
Skepticism has its origins in ancient Greece.
The practice of questioning claims and demanding evidence, often associated with scientific skepticism or critical thinking.
Literally 'scientific skepticism'. Used to describe the approach of questioning claims based on scientific evidence.
科学的懐疑は重要だ。
Scientific skepticism is important.
Means 'critical thinking'. While not a direct translation of 'skepticism', it is closely related and often used in contexts where skepticism is applied to evaluate information.
批判的思考を持って情報を見るべきだ。
You should look at information with skepticism (critical thinking).
懐疑 (かいぎ) is a more formal, abstract term for skepticism, while 疑い (うたがい) is a general word for doubt or suspicion. Use 懐疑 when you want to emphasize a systematic or intellectual doubt, and 疑い for everyday suspicion.
彼の行動に疑いを持つ。
I have doubts about his behavior.
その理論には懐疑的だ。
I'm skeptical of that theory.
In casual conversation, directly saying 懐疑 might sound too stiff. Instead, use phrases like 半信半疑 or 疑わしいと思う to sound more natural.
デカルトの懐疑論は有名だ。
Descartes' skepticism is famous.