Translation guide
The English word "suspicious" can describe a person, thing, or situation that seems untrustworthy, questionable, or possibly involved in wrongdoing. It can also describe a feeling of doubt or mistrust. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Describing a person, object, or situation that appears dishonest, unreliable, or potentially harmful.
The most common and versatile word for 'suspicious'. It can describe people, behavior, situations, or things that seem shady, dubious, or not quite right.
That person looks a bit suspicious.
A suspicious car is parked in front of the house.
More formal than 怪しい, often used in official contexts like police reports or security warnings. Implies something is questionable and warrants investigation.
If you see a suspicious person, please report it to the police.
Colloquial and slightly stronger than 怪しい. Conveys a gut feeling that something is fishy or shady, often with a nuance of distrust.
That salesman seems really shady.
Implies something is morally questionable, indecent, or disreputable. Often used for businesses, entertainment, or offers that seem sleazy.
You should stay away from shady establishments.
Expressing that you have a suspicion or are skeptical about something.
Means 'doubtful' or 'questionable'. Used when you have reason to doubt the truth or validity of something.
His explanation is a bit suspicious.
Literally 'think it's suspicious'. A natural way to express your own suspicion.
I think that story is suspicious.
Describing actions or circumstances that suggest someone might be guilty of something.
怪しい is the most general and can be used in casual conversation. 不審な is formal and often appears in official warnings. 胡散臭い is colloquial and expresses a personal, instinctive distrust.
The weather looks threatening (suspicious).
A suspicious package was left at the station.
That fortune teller seems dodgy.
While 怪しい is the closest equivalent, it can also mean 'dubious', 'shady', 'uncertain', or even 'seductive' in some contexts. Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance of suspicion you want to convey.
Describes a person who is habitually suspicious or distrustful by nature.
He has a suspicious nature.
That politician is under suspicion of corruption.