Translation and Meaning of: 信じる - shinjiru

The Japanese word 信じる [しんじる] carries a deep and everyday meaning at the same time. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding how it is used can open doors for more natural conversations and even to Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, kanji, and how it appears in the daily life of the Japanese.

Besides being an essential verb to express trust and belief, 信じる has interesting nuances that differentiate it from similar words. Let's dive into its practical use, from simple sentences to broader cultural contexts. If you're looking to memorize this word or simply want to know how the Japanese use it, keep reading!

Meaning and use of 信じる

信じる means "to believe" or "to trust" in someone or something. Unlike Portuguese, where "acreditar" and "confiar" can be separated, in Japanese, 信じる encomes both meanings. For example, you can use it to say "I believe in you" (あなたを信じる) as well as "I trust this information" (その情報を信じる).

This word is common in everyday conversations, ranging from serious discussions to lighter moments. An interesting detail is that, culturally, the Japanese tend to use 信じる with some caution, as trust in Japan is often built gradually. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like 信じてもいい? ("Can I trust you?") in situations where the relationship is not yet fully established.

Kanji and origin of 信じる

The kanji 信, which makes up the word, is formed by the radicals 人 (person) and 言 (speech). This combination suggests the idea of "a person's word" or "promise," reinforcing the concept of trust. Historically, this character has roots in ancient Chinese and was incorporated into Japanese with a meaning similar to the original.

It is worth noting that 信 on its own can appear in other related words, such as 信用 (trust, credit) and 信頼 (mutual trust). Although 信じる is the most common verb form, knowing these derived helps to expand vocabulary and better understand how the concept of "to believe" branches out in the language.

Tips for memorizing and using 信じる

An effective way to reinforce 信じる is to associate it with real-life situations. For example, in animes or dramas, it is common for characters to say things like 信じて! ("Believe in me!") in dramatic moments. This type of natural exposure helps to cement not just the word, but also the intonation and emotional context in which it appears.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences in your daily life, even if mentally. If you are studying Japanese, try creating examples like 友達を信じる ("I trust my friend") or 自分を信じる ("Believe in yourself"). Repeating these structures out loud or in writing strengthens muscle and auditory memory, making learning more intuitive.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 信頼する (Shinrai suru) - To trust someone or something, to have faith in someone's abilities or integrity.
  • 信用する (Shinyou suru) - To have credit or trust in someone; often related to financial or business aspects.
  • 信任する (Shin'nin suru) - Delegate the responsibility or authority to someone, entrust the task or position to another person.
  • 信奉する (Shinhou suru) - Having a strong belief in an ideology, religion, or doctrine, loyal to a belief.
  • 信じ込む (Shinjikomu) - To be deeply convinced or to have an unshakeable belief in something, often without questioning.

Related words

基づく

motoduku

to be grounded; to be based; to be due to

han

half

望ましい

nozomashii

desirable; was expecting

信ずる

shinzuru

believe; have faith in; place trust in; trust in; have confidence in

信じる

Romaji: shinjiru
Kana: しんじる
Type: Noun and verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: believe; have faith in; place trust in; trust in; have confidence in

Meaning in English: to believe;to believe in;to place trust in;to confide in;to have faith in

Definition: I think what I hear or see is true.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (信じる) shinjiru

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (信じる) shinjiru:

Example Sentences - (信じる) shinjiru

See below some example sentences:

私たちは階級制度を廃止する必要があると信じています。

Watashitachi wa kaikyū seido o haishi suru hitsuyō ga aru to shinjite imasu

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

  • 私たちは - We
  • 階級制度 - class system
  • を - object particle
  • 廃止する - abolish
  • 必要がある - be necessary
  • と - Quote particle
  • 信じています - believe
夢は叶うものだと信じている。

Yume wa kanau mono da to shinjite iru

I believe that dreams come true.

I believe that dreams come true.

  • 夢 - Dream
  • は - Topic particle
  • 叶う - come true, become reality
  • もの - thing, object
  • だ - verb "to be" in the affirmative form
  • と - Quote particle
  • 信じている - believe, have faith
出会うは偶然ではなく必然だと信じています。

Deau wa guuzen de wa naku hitsuzen da to shinjiteimasu

I believe that meeting someone is not a coincidence

I believe that the meeting is inevitable, not accidental.

  • 出会う (deau) - met up
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 偶然 (guuzen) - chance, coincidence
  • ではなく (dewanaku) - Não é
  • 必然 (hitsuzen) - inevitable, necessary
  • だと (dato) - it is said that
  • 信じています (shinjiteimasu) - I believe
この企画は成功すると信じています。

Kono kikaku wa seikou suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this plan will succeed.

I believe this project will succeed.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
  • 企画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
  • は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 成功 - noun meaning "success"
  • する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
  • と - particle indicating the quotation of an opinion or thought
  • 信じています - verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith", conjugated in the present affirmative
この作戦は成功すると信じています。

Kono sakusen wa seikō suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this strategy will succeed.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 作戦 - noun meaning "strategy" or "plan of action"
  • は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • 成功する - verb meaning "to succeed" or "to be successful"
  • と - grammatical particle indicating a direct quotation
  • 信じています - compound verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith"
この判決は公正であると信じています。

Kono hanketsu wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this decision is fair.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
  • 判決 - Noun that means "verdict" or "sentence"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
  • である - verb to be in its formal form
  • と - particle that indicates direct quotation
  • 信じています - verb that means "believe" or "trust" in a polite and present form
この制度は公正であると信じています。

Kono seido wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this system is fair.

  • この制度 - This policy/system
  • は - Topic particle
  • 公正 - Justo/imparcial
  • である - To be
  • と - Quotation particle
  • 信じています - I believe
俄かには信じられない話だ。

Gakka ni wa shinjirarenai hanashi da

It's an incredible story.

  • 俄かに - adverb meaning "suddenly"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 信じられない - Adjective that means "incredible" or "unbelievable"
  • 話 - noun that means "history" or "tale"
  • だ - particle that indicates the affirmative form of the sentence
彼の話は誇張されすぎて信じられない。

Kare no hanashi wa kochou sare sugite shinjirarenai

His story is so exaggerated that he cannot believe it.

  • 彼の話 - "your story"
  • は - Topic particle
  • 誇張されすぎて - "too exaggerated"
  • 信じられない - "cannot be believed"
明きな未来を信じている。

Akaki na mirai wo shinjite iru

I believe in a bright future.

I believe in the clear future.

  • 明き - "Adjective that means 'bright' or 'clear'"
  • な - particle that indicates the absence of something or the negation of an action
  • 未来 - noun meaning "future"
  • を - particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence
  • 信じている - verb meaning "to believe" conjugated in the present continuous tense

Other Words of this Type: Noun and verb

See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun and verb

信じる