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.
あの人はちょっと怪しい。
That person looks a bit suspicious.
怪しい車が家の前に止まっている。
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.
不審な人物を見かけたら警察に通報してください。
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.
あのセールスマン、胡散臭いな。
That salesman seems really shady.
Implies something is morally questionable, indecent, or disreputable. Often used for businesses, entertainment, or offers that seem sleazy.
いかがわしい店には近づかないほうがいい。
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.
彼の説明は少し疑わしい。
His explanation is a bit suspicious.
Literally 'think it's suspicious'. A natural way to express your own suspicion.
どうもあの話は怪しいと思う。
I think that story is suspicious.
Describing actions or circumstances that suggest someone might be guilty of something.
To cast suspicion on someone. Used when someone's actions make others suspect them.
彼の行動が疑いをかけた。
His behavior aroused suspicion.
A noun meaning 'suspicion' or 'scandal', often used in news about alleged wrongdoing.
その政治家は汚職の疑惑がある。
That politician is under suspicion of corruption.
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.
怪しい雲行きだ。
The weather looks threatening (suspicious).
不審な荷物が駅に置かれていた。
A suspicious package was left at the station.
あの占い師は胡散臭い。
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.
彼は疑い深い性格だ。
He has a suspicious nature.