Translation guide
The state or attitude of not believing, especially in a religious or ideological context. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on whether you mean religious doubt, skepticism, or lack of faith.
Expressing a lack of religious faith or belief in a deity or doctrine.
The most direct and common term for religious unbelief or lack of faith. It can refer to atheism, agnosticism, or simply not being religious.
He openly professes unbelief.
Literally 'no faith'. Similar to 不信仰 but can sound slightly more absolute or categorical. Often used in philosophical or sociological contexts.
The number of people without religious faith is increasing.
Can mean unbelief, but more commonly means distrust or lack of trust in a person or thing. In religious contexts, it can imply disbelief or lack of faith, but it's ambiguous.
More often means 'distrust' in everyday usage. Use 不信仰 for clarity when referring to religious unbelief.
His unbelief in God tormented him.
Expressing a skeptical attitude or doubt about a claim, idea, or statement, not necessarily religious.
Skepticism or doubt. Often used in intellectual or philosophical contexts. Can be combined with 的 to form an adjective.
His claims were met with skepticism.
To have doubts or suspicions. A more everyday way to express unbelief in a non-religious sense.
A feeling of distrust or disbelief. Often used when someone's credibility is questioned.
Rejecting or not accepting a particular set of beliefs, such as a political ideology or scientific theory.
不信仰 (ふしんこう) is the standard term for religious unbelief. 無信仰 (むしんこう) emphasizes the absence of faith and is often used in statistics or sociology. 不信 (ふしん) is broader and usually means distrust; in religious contexts it can mean unbelief but may cause confusion.
In everyday Japanese, directly saying 'unbelief' can sound overly formal or religious. It's often more natural to say 'I don't believe in God' (神を信じていない) or 'I'm not religious' (無宗教です) rather than using the noun 'unbelief'.
I have doubts about that story.
I felt a sense of disbelief at his explanation.
She is skeptical of that policy.