At the A1 level, you don't need to use '疑い深い' (utagaibukai) yet, but it is helpful to understand its parts. It comes from 'utagai' (doubt) and 'fukai' (deep). Think of it like someone having 'deep doubt.' At this stage, you mostly learn words like 'suki' (like) or 'kowai' (scary). 'Utagaibukai' is a bit more advanced because it describes a complex feeling. If you see this word, just remember it means someone who says 'I don't believe you' very often. You can remember 'fukai' from 'umi wa fukai' (the sea is deep). So, this person has a 'deep' feeling that things might not be true. You might hear it in simple cartoons where a character doesn't trust a new person. Don't worry about using it in your own speech yet; just recognize that the 'bukai' part means 'very' or 'deeply' in this context. It is a good way to see how Japanese combines two words to make a new, more specific meaning. For example, 'kokoro' (heart) + 'bukai' (deep) is not common, but 'utagai' (doubt) + 'bukai' (deep) is a set phrase. Just focus on the idea of 'not trusting easily.'
At the A2 level, you are starting to describe people's personalities. You might know words like 'yasashii' (kind) or 'omoshiroi' (interesting). '疑い深い' (utagaibukai) is another word for your list of personality adjectives. It is an i-adjective, so it follows the same rules as 'takai' (expensive) or 'samui' (cold). You can say 'Kare wa utagaibukai desu' (He is suspicious). This is useful when you are talking about characters in a story or people you know who are very careful and don't trust others quickly. You should also learn that this word is specifically for people. If you see a 'suspicious' bag at the station, you shouldn't use this word. This word is for the *feeling* inside a person. A good way to practice is to think of a detective like Sherlock Holmes—he is very 'utagaibukai' because he wants to check everything. You can also use it in the negative: 'utagaibukakunai' (not suspicious/trusting). This helps you describe a wider range of human behavior. Remember the 'b' sound—it's not 'fukai,' it's 'bukai' because it's joined to another word. This is a common pattern in Japanese called rendaku.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '疑い深い' (utagaibukai) to describe complex characters and social situations. This is your target level for this word. You should understand that it implies a habitual skepticism. It is often used to explain *why* someone acts a certain way. For example, 'He is suspicious, so he didn't sign the contract.' (Kare wa utagaibukai node, keiyaku ni sain shinakatta). You should also be able to distinguish it from 'ayashii' (shady/suspicious-looking). While 'ayashii' describes the object that causes doubt, 'utagaibukai' describes the person who feels the doubt. At this level, you can start using it in written compositions to add depth to your descriptions. You might also encounter it in news articles about fraud, where people are encouraged to be more 'utagaibukai' to protect themselves. You should also be comfortable with its adverbial form, 'utagaibukaku,' as in 'utagaibukaku miru' (to look at someone skeptically). This level is about nuance—knowing that this word can be a bit negative, suggesting the person might be a bit too cynical or hard to get along with because they don't trust anyone.
At the B2 level, you should understand the social and psychological implications of being '疑い深い' (utagaibukai). You can use it to discuss literature, film, and social issues in detail. For instance, you might analyze a character's development: 'His experiences in the war made him utagaibukai.' You should also be familiar with its synonyms like 'kaigiteki' (skeptical) and know when to use each. 'Kaigiteki' is more for intellectual doubt (skeptical of a plan), while 'utagaibukai' is more for personal mistrust. You can also use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'utagaibukai to iwarete mo shikata ga nai' (It can't be helped if people call him suspicious). At this stage, you should also recognize the word in various registers—from informal conversations between friends to more formal descriptive prose. You should also be aware of the noun form 'utagaibukasa' (the degree of being suspicious/skepticism). This allows you to talk about the trait as an abstract concept. You might discuss how a 'lack of trust' (utagaibukasa) in a society can lead to economic problems. Your usage should be precise, avoiding the common mistake of applying it to inanimate objects, and you should be able to explain the nuance of 'deep doubt' to others.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '疑い深い' (utagaibukai), including its use in literary and historical contexts. You should be able to use it to describe subtle psychological states and complex interpersonal dynamics. For example, you might use it to describe a political climate where everyone is 'utagaibukai' of each other's motives. You should also be familiar with related idiomatic expressions and more advanced synonyms like 'saigishin ga tsuyoi' (strong sense of suspicion/paranoia). You can use 'utagaibukai' to contrast different cultural attitudes toward trust and skepticism. In a business context, you might use it to describe a 'due diligence' mindset, perhaps framing it as a necessary 'utagaibukasa' in a high-stakes environment. You should be able to handle the word in all its conjugated forms effortlessly and use it to add color and precision to your speech and writing. You might also explore the word's etymology and how the concept of 'deep doubt' has been portrayed in Japanese classics. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are playing with its connotations to convey specific, often subtle, attitudes toward trust and human nature.
At the C2 level, '疑い深い' (utagaibukai) is part of a vast arsenal of descriptive terms that you use with native-like precision. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its place in the Japanese lexicon. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of skepticism versus faith. You might use it in a high-level critique of a novel, discussing how the protagonist's 'utagaibukai' nature serves as a metaphor for modern alienation. You are also aware of very rare or archaic variations and can distinguish 'utagaibukai' from even the most similar-sounding terms in specialized fields like psychology or law. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating the word into complex, multi-layered sentences that discuss the intricacies of human mistrust. You might also use it ironically or metaphorically in sophisticated wordplay. For a C2 learner, 'utagaibukai' is not just a vocabulary item but a window into the Japanese psyche's conceptualization of trust, caution, and the 'depth' of human emotion. You can discuss the sociolinguistic impact of describing someone this way and how it affects the 'wa' (harmony) of a group in various professional and private settings.

疑い深い in 30 Sekunden

  • A personality trait meaning 'suspicious' or 'skeptical'.
  • Formed from 'utagai' (doubt) and 'fukai' (deep).
  • Used only for people's character, not for objects.
  • Can be negative (mistrustful) or positive (cautious/diligent).

The Japanese adjective 疑い深い (utagaibukai) is a powerful and descriptive term used to characterize a person's temperament or psychological posture. At its core, it describes someone who is habitually skeptical, mistrustful, or prone to doubting the intentions, words, or actions of others. The word is an 'i-adjective' formed by combining the noun 疑い (utagai), meaning 'doubt' or 'suspicion,' with the adjective 深い (fukai), meaning 'deep.' Through the linguistic process of rendaku (sequential voicing), the 'f' in 'fukai' shifts to a 'b,' creating the compound 'bukai.' This 'deep doubt' suggests that the skepticism is not a fleeting emotion but a profound part of the individual's character or a deeply ingrained habit of mind.

Core Nuance
Unlike a simple verb for doubting, this adjective describes a personality trait. It is the difference between 'doubting a specific fact' and 'being a skeptical person by nature.'

In Japanese society, where social harmony (wa) and mutual trust are often the expected defaults, being labeled as utagaibukai can carry a slightly negative or cautionary weight. It implies that the person is difficult to convince or perhaps overly cynical. However, in certain professional spheres—such as law enforcement, auditing, scientific research, or investigative journalism—this quality is seen as an essential virtue. A scientist who is utagaibukai will not accept a result without rigorous verification, just as a detective will not believe a suspect's alibi without proof. Thus, the context determines whether the word is a criticism of someone's coldness or a compliment to their thoroughness.

彼は昔の苦い経験から、非常に疑い深い性格になってしまった。
(Due to bitter past experiences, he has developed a very suspicious personality.)

Interpersonal Usage
Used when describing someone who doesn't easily trust new acquaintances or who always looks for a 'catch' in a good deal.

Furthermore, the word is frequently encountered in literature and film. A classic 'hard-boiled' detective is almost always utagaibukai. In psychological contexts, it is used to discuss attachment styles or the trauma of betrayal. It is a word that explores the depth of human skepticism, suggesting that the doubt goes far beneath the surface of the conversation. Whether you are describing a cynical old man in a village or a meticulous investigator in a thriller, utagaibukai provides the perfect linguistic tool to capture that essence of 'deep doubt.'

Using 疑い深い (utagaibukai) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an i-adjective. It can be used attributively (modifying a noun) or predicatively (completing a sentence). Because it describes a deep-seated trait, it is often paired with words like 性格 (seikaku - personality) or 目 (me - eyes/gaze) to describe the way someone views the world.

Attributive Use
疑い深い人 (utagaibukai hito) — A suspicious person.
疑い深い目つき (utagaibukai metsuki) — A skeptical look in one's eyes.

彼女は疑い深い目で私を見た。
(She looked at me with skeptical eyes.)

When used predicatively, it often ends with 'desu' or 'da' to state a fact about someone's nature. It can also be conjugated like any other i-adjective. For example, to say someone 'was' suspicious, you would say 疑い深かった (utagaibukakatta). To say they are 'not' suspicious, you use 疑い深くない (utagaibukakunai). This flexibility allows you to describe changes in a person's behavior over time.

Common Collocations
あまりに疑い深い (too suspicious)
根っからの疑い深い性格 (a suspicious nature from the start)
疑い深く問いただす (to question someone suspiciously)

In a sentence like 'Don't be so suspicious,' you would use the 'te-form' plus 'iru' or a command: そんなに疑い深くならないで (sonna ni utagaibukaku naranaide). This shows the word's versatility in addressing both static traits and dynamic behaviors. It is also important to note that while the word is B1 level, its application in complex sentences involving relative clauses is very common in N2 and N1 level texts. For example: '疑い深い彼を納得させるのは容易ではない' (It is not easy to convince him, as he is so skeptical). Here, the adjective defines the character's reaction within a larger narrative framework.

You will encounter 疑い深い (utagaibukai) in a wide variety of real-life and media contexts. One of the most common places is in detective dramas (keiji dorama) and mystery novels. In these settings, the protagonist—often a seasoned investigator—is described as utagaibukai because they refuse to take the first piece of evidence at face value. They suspect everyone, which is seen as their greatest professional asset.

刑事は疑い深いので、アリバイを徹底的に調べる。
(The detective is skeptical, so he investigates the alibi thoroughly.)

Another frequent context is business negotiations. If a company is particularly cautious about a new partnership, a Japanese colleague might whisper, 'あの会社は疑い深いから、もっと詳細なデータが必要だ' (That company is very skeptical, so we need more detailed data). In this case, it serves as a warning about the level of scrutiny expected. It is also a staple in relationship advice columns and psychological discussions. You might hear someone complaining about a partner who is utagaibukai, constantly checking their phone or questioning their whereabouts. Here, the word takes on a more negative, emotionally burdensome nuance.

News and Media
In news reports concerning scams (like the 'ore-ore sagi' in Japan), experts might advise citizens to be more utagaibukai when receiving strange phone calls. In this context, the word is used as a protective measure—a call for increased vigilance.

Finally, you will hear it in historical discussions. Historical figures who were famous for their paranoia, such as Oda Nobunaga in certain interpretations, are often described with this term. It captures the essence of someone who, due to the dangerous times they lived in, could not afford to trust anyone. Whether in a modern office, a fictional crime scene, or a history book, utagaibukai is the go-to word for describing that deep, persistent lack of trust.

The most common mistake learners make with 疑い深い (utagaibukai) is confusing it with other words that also translate to 'suspicious' in English, specifically 疑わしい (utagawashii) and 怪しい (ayashii). While all three deal with doubt, their targets and nuances are strictly different.

Mistake 1: Using it for Objects
You cannot use utagaibukai to describe a 'suspicious package' or a 'suspicious sound.' Utagaibukai describes the person who is doing the doubting, not the thing that is being doubted. For a suspicious package, use ayashii or fushin-na.

この荷物は疑い深い
この荷物は怪しい
(This package is suspicious/shady.)

Another error is confusing the intensity. Utagaibukai implies a 'deep' (fukai) habit. If you just want to say someone is doubting something right now, the verb 疑っている (utagatte iru) is much more natural. Using utagaibukai suggests that this is their permanent personality trait. If you call someone utagaibukai when they are just being reasonably cautious about a one-time event, it might sound like a character assassination rather than a simple observation.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Caution'
Don't confuse it with 慎重 (shinchou - prudent/careful). Shinchou is almost always positive, meaning someone thinks before they act. Utagaibukai often implies a lack of trust in people, which can be perceived as a negative social trait.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget the rendaku and say 'utagaifukai.' While it might be understood, it sounds unnatural. Always remember the 'b' sound. Mastering these distinctions will help you sound much more like a native speaker and avoid unintentional rudeness or confusion.

To truly master 疑い深い (utagaibukai), it helps to see it alongside its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning that makes it suitable for different situations.

1. 懐疑的 (kaigiteki)
This is a more formal, academic, or intellectual way to say 'skeptical.' While utagaibukai often describes an emotional or personality-based mistrust, kaigiteki describes a logical or philosophical stance of doubt. You might be kaigiteki about a new scientific theory.
2. 猜疑心が強い (saigishin ga tsuyoi)
This is a much stronger and more negative term. It translates to 'having a strong sense of jealousy and suspicion.' It suggests that someone is constantly suspecting others of harboring ill will or trying to harm them. It is often used in psychological contexts or to describe a villain in a story.
3. 用心深い (youjinbukai)
This means 'cautious' or 'vigilant.' It is the positive flip side of utagaibukai. A youjinbukai person is careful to avoid danger or mistakes, whereas an utagaibukai person is focused on the possibility of being deceived.

彼は懐疑的な態度を崩さなかった。
(He maintained a skeptical attitude—more formal/intellectual.)

If you are in a situation where you want to describe someone as skeptical but don't want to sound overly critical, you might choose 慎重 (shinchou) or 冷静 (reisei - calm and analytical). If you want to emphasize that someone is difficult to trick, 一筋縄ではいかない (hitosujinawa de wa ikanai - not easily dealt with) is a great idiomatic alternative.

Choosing the right word depends on whether you are talking about someone's personality (utagaibukai), their reaction to a specific plan (kaigiteki), or their defensive nature (youjinbukai). Knowing these synonyms allows you to fine-tune your Japanese to match the exact social situation and emotional nuance you intend to convey.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The 'b' in 'bukai' is caused by a phenomenon called 'Rendaku.' In Japanese, when two words join, the first sound of the second word often becomes voiced (f -> b, k -> g, s -> z). It makes the word easier to say quickly!

Aussprachehilfe

UK u.ta.ɡa.i.bu.ka.i
US u.tɑ.ɡaɪ.bu.kaɪ
Japanese pitch accent: Heiban (flat), or sometimes with a slight drop after 'ka'.
Reimt sich auf
Amai (sweet) Kurai (dark) Semai (narrow) Omoi (heavy) Sakai (boundary) Takai (high) Nagai (long) Fukai (deep)
Häufige Fehler
  • Saying 'utagaifukai' (forgetting the rendaku 'b' sound).
  • Mispronouncing 'utagai' as 'utagae'.
  • Stressing the 'u' too much.
  • Making the 'g' sound like a 'k'.
  • Omitting the final 'i'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Kanji is common but 'bukai' rendaku might confuse beginners.

Schreiben 4/5

The kanji for 'utagai' (疑) is complex and has many strokes.

Sprechen 3/5

Easy to conjugate once you know it's an i-adjective.

Hören 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but must distinguish from 'utagawashii'.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

疑う (utagau) 深い (fukai) 性格 (seikaku) 信じる (shinjiru) 怪しい (ayashii)

Als Nächstes lernen

懐疑的 (kaigiteki) 猜疑心 (saigishin) 用心深い (youjinbukai) 慎重 (shinchou) 疑惑 (giwaku)

Fortgeschritten

疑心暗鬼 (gishinanki) 不可知論 (fukachiron) 懐疑主義 (kaigishugi) 不信感 (fushinkan) 半信半疑 (hanshinhangi)

Wichtige Grammatik

I-adjective conjugation

疑い深かった、疑い深くない、疑い深く

Rendaku (Sequential Voicing)

Fukai -> Bukai

Compound Adjectives

Noun + Adjective (Utagai + Fukai)

Adverbial form using ~ku

疑い深く話す

Noun-modifying form

疑い深い人

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

彼は疑い深い人です。

He is a suspicious person.

Simple A is B sentence using the i-adjective.

2

私は疑い深くないです。

I am not suspicious.

Negative form of the i-adjective.

3

疑い深い友達がいます。

I have a suspicious friend.

Using the adjective to modify a noun (tomodachi).

4

あの人はとても疑い深いです。

That person is very suspicious.

Using 'totemo' for emphasis.

5

疑い深い目は怖いです。

Suspicious eyes are scary.

Adjective modifying the noun 'me' (eyes).

6

彼は疑い深かった。

He was suspicious.

Past tense of the i-adjective.

7

あまり疑い深くならないで。

Don't be so suspicious.

Using 'naru' (to become) in the negative command form.

8

疑い深い性格は大変です。

A suspicious personality is difficult.

Adjective modifying 'seikaku' (personality).

1

彼女は疑い深いから、なかなか信じてくれない。

She is suspicious, so she won't believe me easily.

Using 'kara' to show reason.

2

そんなに疑い深く見るのはやめてください。

Please stop looking at me so suspiciously.

Adverbial form 'utagaibukaku' + 'miru' (to look).

3

疑い深い人とは友達になりにくい。

It's hard to become friends with a suspicious person.

Using 'nikui' (hard to do).

4

彼は疑い深くなってしまった。

He has become suspicious.

Using '~te shimau' to show a regrettable change.

5

疑い深い性格を直したいです。

I want to fix my suspicious personality.

Using 'naoshitai' (want to fix).

6

昔はそんなに疑い深くなかった。

I wasn't that suspicious in the past.

Past negative form: 'utagaibukakunakatta'.

7

どうしてそんなに疑い深いの?

Why are you so suspicious?

Informal question using 'no?'.

8

疑い深い人は慎重なことが多い。

Suspicious people are often cautious.

Comparing 'utagaibukai' with 'shinchou'.

1

彼は疑い深いので、新しい情報をすぐには信用しない。

Because he is skeptical, he doesn't trust new information immediately.

Using 'node' for a polite reason.

2

あまり疑い深いと、周りの人に嫌われるよ。

If you are too suspicious, people around you will dislike you.

Conditional 'to' used for a natural consequence.

3

その記者は非常に疑い深い性格で知られている。

That journalist is known for having a very suspicious nature.

Using 'de shirararete iru' (is known for).

4

疑い深い目で見られるのは気分が良くない。

It doesn't feel good to be looked at with suspicious eyes.

Passive voice 'mirareru' (to be seen/looked at).

5

彼は疑い深く、誰に対しても心を開かない。

He is suspicious and doesn't open his heart to anyone.

Using 'te-form' to connect two descriptions.

6

彼女の疑い深さは、過去の裏切りが原因だ。

Her suspiciousness is caused by past betrayals.

Noun form 'utagaibukasa'.

7

疑い深く調査を続けた結果、真実が判明した。

As a result of continuing the investigation skeptically, the truth was revealed.

Adverbial usage 'utagaibukaku' modifying 'chousa suru'.

8

彼は疑い深い反面、一度信じると一途だ。

While he is suspicious, once he trusts someone, he is very devoted.

Using 'hanmen' (on the other hand).

1

彼は疑い深すぎて、チャンスを逃してしまうことが多い。

He is too suspicious and often ends up missing opportunities.

Using '~sugiru' (too much).

2

疑い深い顧客を納得させるためには、確かな証拠が必要だ。

In order to convince a skeptical client, solid evidence is necessary.

Using 'tame ni wa' (in order to).

3

社会全体が疑い深くなっているように感じる。

I feel like society as a whole is becoming more suspicious.

Using 'youni kanjiru' (feel as if).

4

彼は疑い深い性格が災いして、孤立してしまった。

His suspicious nature worked against him, and he became isolated.

Using 'wazawai shite' (causing misfortune).

5

疑い深く接するのではなく、まずは信じてみよう。

Instead of approaching things skeptically, let's try trusting first.

Using 'node wa naku' (instead of).

6

あの政治家は疑い深いことで有名だ。

That politician is famous for being suspicious.

Using 'koto de yuumei' (famous for).

7

彼女は疑い深いあまり、誰の話も聞こうとしない。

She is so suspicious that she won't listen to anyone's story.

Using 'amari' (so much that...).

8

疑い深い人ほど、騙された時のショックが大きい。

The more suspicious a person is, the greater the shock when they are deceived.

Using 'hodo' (the more... the more...).

1

疑い深い彼の懐疑心を払拭するのは、並大抵のことではない。

Dispelling his deep-seated skepticism is no ordinary feat.

Using 'fukkyoku' (dispel) and 'namitaitei' (ordinary).

2

歴史上の独裁者は、往々にして疑い深いものである。

Historical dictators are often suspicious by nature.

Using 'ouou ni shite' (frequently/often).

3

疑い深い性格が彼の判断を曇らせている可能性がある。

There is a possibility that his suspicious nature is clouding his judgment.

Using 'handan o kumoraseru' (cloud judgment).

4

彼は疑い深く、契約書の細部に至るまで厳しくチェックした。

Being suspicious, he strictly checked even the finest details of the contract.

Using 'saibu ni itaru made' (down to the fine details).

5

疑い深い大衆を動かすには、論理よりも感情に訴える方が効果的だ。

To move a skeptical public, appealing to emotion is more effective than logic.

Using 'uttaeru' (appeal to).

6

彼の疑い深さは、一種の自己防衛本能と言えるだろう。

His suspiciousness could be called a kind of self-defense instinct.

Using 'to ieru darou' (could be called/said).

7

疑い深い態度を貫くことで、彼は多くの難を逃れてきた。

By maintaining a skeptical attitude, he has escaped many troubles.

Using 'tsuranuku' (to maintain/pierce through).

8

過度に疑い深い社会は、イノベーションを阻害する恐れがある。

An excessively suspicious society risks hindering innovation.

Using 'sogai suru osore ga aru' (risk of hindering).

1

彼の疑い深い性根は、一朝一夕に形成されたものではない。

His suspicious nature was not formed overnight.

Using 'shoune' (nature/disposition) and 'icchou isseki' (overnight).

2

疑い深い観察眼を持つ彼だからこそ、この矛盾に気づけたのだ。

Precisely because he possesses a skeptical eye for observation, he was able to notice this contradiction.

Using 'dakara koso' (precisely because).

3

人間不信に陥った彼は、病的なまでに疑い深くなっていた。

Having fallen into misanthropy, he had become suspicious to a pathological degree.

Using 'byouteki na made ni' (to a pathological degree).

4

疑い深いという評は、彼にとってむしろ勲章のようなものだった。

The reputation of being suspicious was, to him, rather like a badge of honor.

Using 'hyou' (reputation/assessment) and 'kunshou' (medal).

5

その疑い深い沈黙が、部屋の空気をいっそう重くした。

That suspicious silence made the atmosphere in the room even heavier.

Using 'kuuki o omoku shita' (made the air heavy).

6

疑い深いことは知性の証でもあるが、度を越せば毒となる。

Being skeptical is a sign of intelligence, but in excess, it becomes poison.

Using 'do o koseba' (if one exceeds the limit).

7

彼女の疑い深い気質は、家系的に受け継がれたものかもしれない。

Her skeptical temperament might be something inherited through her lineage.

Using 'kishitsu' (temperament) and 'uketsugareta' (inherited).

8

疑い深い論客を沈黙させるには、反論の余地のない事実を突きつけるほかない。

To silence a skeptical debater, there is no choice but to present irrefutable facts.

Using 'ronkaku' (debater) and 'hanron no yochi no nai' (irrefutable).

Häufige Kollokationen

疑い深い性格
疑い深い目
非常に疑い深い
疑い深く問いただす
疑い深い性質
疑い深く調査する
疑い深い態度
根っからの疑い深い
疑い深くなる
疑い深さ

Häufige Phrasen

疑い深いのもほどほどに

— Don't be too suspicious; moderate your skepticism.

疑い深いのもほどほどにしないと、友達をなくすよ。

疑い深い奴

— A suspicious guy (informal/rough).

あいつは本当に疑い深い奴だ。

疑い深い性分

— A suspicious disposition/nature.

生まれつき疑い深い性分なんです。

疑い深い心

— A suspicious heart/mind.

疑い深い心が彼を苦しめている。

疑い深い表情

— A suspicious expression.

彼は疑い深い表情で話を聞いていた。

疑い深い視線

— A suspicious gaze/stare.

背後に疑い深い視線を感じた。

疑い深い質問

— Suspicious/skeptical questions.

彼は疑い深い質問を次々と投げかけた。

疑い深い返事

— A skeptical reply.

彼女からは疑い深い返事しか返ってこなかった。

疑い深い推測

— A skeptical guess/conjecture.

それは単なる疑い深い推測に過ぎない。

疑い深い一言

— A skeptical remark.

彼の疑い深い一言が場を凍らせた。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

疑い深い vs 疑わしい (utagawashii)

Used for situations or things that are doubtful, not a person's character.

疑い深い vs 怪しい (ayashii)

Used for things that look shady, weird, or suspicious in appearance.

疑い深い vs 用心深い (youjinbukai)

A positive version meaning 'cautious' to avoid danger.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"石橋を叩いて渡る"

— To be extremely cautious (hitting a stone bridge before crossing to ensure it's safe). Related to being 'youjinbukai' or 'utagaibukai'.

彼は石橋を叩いて渡るような疑い深い性格だ。

Common
"幽霊の正体見たり枯れ尾花"

— Mistaking something harmless for something scary due to fear/suspicion. Often applied to suspicious people.

疑い深い彼は、何でもないことまで怪しんでいる。まさに幽霊の正体見たり枯れ尾花だ。

Literary
"疑心暗鬼を生ず"

— Once you are suspicious, everything starts to look like a demon in the dark. Paranoia breeds further doubt.

疑い深い性格だと、疑心暗鬼を生じて誰も信じられなくなる。

Formal
"裏を読む"

— To read between the lines or look for hidden motives (often done by utagaibukai people).

彼は疑い深いので、いつも相手の裏を読もうとする。

Neutral
"鵜の目鷹の目"

— With a very sharp, watchful eye (like a cormorant or hawk), often looking for faults.

彼は疑い深い目で、鵜の目鷹の目でミスを探している。

Idiomatic
"眉に唾をつける"

— To take something with a grain of salt; to be on one's guard against deception.

あの話は疑い深い私でも眉に唾をつけて聞く必要がある。

Common
"腹を探る"

— To try to find out what someone is really thinking (probing their belly).

疑い深い彼らは、互いに腹を探り合っている。

Common
"揚げ足を取る"

— To trip someone up; to find fault in small things (common behavior of suspicious people).

彼は疑い深い性格で、すぐに人の揚げ足を取る。

Neutral
"勘繰りを入れる"

— To make groundless or excessive suspicions.

そんなに疑い深く勘繰りを入れるのはやめなさい。

Neutral
"心に壁を作る"

— To build a wall around one's heart (common for utagaibukai individuals).

疑い深い彼は、周囲の人に対して心に壁を作っている。

Common

Leicht verwechselbar

疑い深い vs 疑わしい

Both translate to 'suspicious'.

Utagaibukai is about the person's mind; Utagawashii is about the object/fact.

疑わしい証拠 (Suspicious evidence) vs 疑い深い刑事 (Suspicious detective).

疑い深い vs 怪しい

Both translate to 'suspicious'.

Ayashii refers to an external appearance of shadiness; Utagaibukai is an internal trait.

怪しい男 (A shady man) vs 疑い深い男 (A man who doesn't trust others).

疑い深い vs 懐疑的

Both mean 'skeptical'.

Kaigiteki is formal and intellectual; Utagaibukai is emotional and personality-based.

理論に懐疑的だ (Skeptical of a theory) vs 彼は疑い深い (He is a skeptical person).

疑い深い vs 慎重

Both involve not trusting things immediately.

Shinchou is positive (careful/prudent); Utagaibukai is often negative (mistrustful).

慎重な判断 (Prudent judgment) vs 疑い深い態度 (Suspicious attitude).

疑い深い vs 猜疑心

Both relate to suspicion.

Saigishin is a noun and much stronger, often implying paranoia or jealousy.

猜疑心が強い (Strong paranoia) vs 疑い深い (Skeptical).

Satzmuster

A2

[Person] は疑い深いです。

田中さんは疑い深いです。

B1

[Person] は疑い深いので、[Result]。

彼は疑い深いので、誰も信じません。

B1

疑い深い [Noun]

疑い深い目つきで見る。

B2

[Person] は疑い深いあまり、[Negative Result]。

彼女は疑い深いあまり、友達がいません。

B2

疑い深い性格を [Verb]。

疑い深い性格を直したい。

C1

疑い深い [Noun] を持つ [Person]

疑い深い観察眼を持つ彼。

C1

疑い深いという [Reputation]

疑い深いという評を受ける。

C2

疑い深いことは [N] であるが、[Contrast]

疑い深いことは知性の証であるが、孤独を招く。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

疑い (utagai) - Doubt/Suspicion
疑い深さ (utagaibukasa) - Skepticism/Suspiciousness
懐疑心 (kaigishin) - Skeptical mind

Verben

疑う (utagau) - To doubt/suspect
疑われる (utagawareru) - To be suspected

Adjektive

疑わしい (utagawashii) - Suspicious (object/situation)
懐疑的 (kaigiteki) - Skeptical (formal)

Verwandt

不信 (fushin) - Distrust
猜疑 (saigi) - Suspicion
慎重 (shinchou) - Prudence
用心 (youjin) - Caution
疑惑 (giwaku) - Allegation/Doubt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in literature, news, and descriptions of personality.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using it for objects. 怪しい荷物 (Ayashii nimotsu)

    Utagaibukai is for people's feelings, not the appearance of objects.

  • Saying 'utagaifukai'. 疑い深い (utagaibukai)

    Rendaku voicing is required in this compound.

  • Confusing it with 'shinchou' (prudent). 慎重な人 (Shinchou na hito)

    Shinchou is positive; Utagaibukai is often negative mistrust.

  • Using it for a one-time doubt. 疑っている (Utagatte iru)

    Utagaibukai describes a permanent personality trait, not a single moment of doubt.

  • Misspelling the kanji 疑. 疑 (14 strokes)

    Ensure the components of the kanji are correct.

Tipps

People Only

Always remember that 疑い深い is a personality trait. Don't use it for things that look 'shady'.

Positive vs. Negative

If you want to be nice, use 用心深い (cautious). If you want to be critical, use 疑い深い.

Adverb Form

Use 疑い深く (utagaibukaku) to describe actions like looking or questioning.

Complex Kanji

The kanji 疑 (doubt) is tricky. Practice the stroke order carefully!

Social Harmony

In Japan, being too suspicious can be seen as breaking the 'wa' (harmony).

Detective Context

This is a key word for mystery fans. Detectives are always 疑い深い.

Formal Skepticism

Use 懐疑的 (kaigiteki) in essays and academic writing.

Avoid 'Utagaifukai'

Never forget the 'b' sound. It's 'bukai', not 'fukai'.

Deep Doubt

Think of it as 'Doubt' + 'Deep'. The doubt goes deep into their heart.

Character Building

Use this word to give your characters more depth and history.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Utagai' (you talk guy) and 'Bukai' (blue sky). You talk to a guy under a blue sky, but your doubt is so deep you don't believe a word he says!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking deep into a dark, bottomless hole of 'doubts'. The hole is 'fukai' (deep).

Word Web

Utagau (Verb) Utagai (Noun) Fukai (Deep) Utagaibukaku (Adverb) Utagaibukasa (Degree) Ayashii (Shady) Utagawashii (Doubtful) Saigishin (Paranoia)

Herausforderung

Try to use 'utagaibukai' to describe a famous movie character like Batman or Sherlock Holmes in a Japanese sentence today.

Wortherkunft

The word is a compound of the native Japanese noun 'utagai' and the adjective 'fukai'. 'Utagai' comes from the verb 'utagau,' which has been in the Japanese language since the Old Japanese period. The addition of 'fukai' to create personality descriptions is a common linguistic pattern in Japanese.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Deep doubt; having a depth of suspicion.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

Calling someone 'utagaibukai' to their face can be offensive, as it implies they are cynical or untrusting. Use with caution.

In English, 'suspicious' is broader. Japanese learners often misuse 'utagaibukai' for 'shady' things, whereas English speakers use 'suspicious' for both people and packages.

Sherlock Holmes is often described as 'utagaibukai' in Japanese translations. Oda Nobunaga's historical portrayal as a paranoid leader. The 'Suspecting Thomas' (Doubting Thomas) in biblical contexts is translated using 'utagau' or 'kaigiteki'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Detective/Crime

  • 疑い深い刑事
  • 証拠を疑い深く調べる
  • アリバイを疑う
  • 犯人の嘘を見抜く

Business/Contract

  • 疑い深い取引先
  • 契約内容を疑い深くチェックする
  • リスクを考慮する
  • 裏付けを取る

Interpersonal Relationships

  • 疑い深い恋人
  • 浮気を疑う
  • 心を開かない
  • 信頼関係が築けない

Psychology

  • 疑い深い性分
  • 人間不信
  • 自己防衛
  • トラウマ

Scam Prevention

  • 疑い深く確認する
  • 詐欺に注意
  • 簡単に信じない
  • 確認の電話を入れる

Gesprächseinstiege

"あなたは疑い深い方ですか、それとも人を信じやすい方ですか?"

"どうしてあの人はあんなに疑い深いんでしょうか?"

"ビジネスにおいて、疑い深いことは良いことだと思いますか?"

"疑い深い性格を直すにはどうしたらいいと思いますか?"

"今まで会った中で、一番疑い深かった人は誰ですか?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

自分が疑い深いと感じる瞬間について書いてください。

疑い深い性格のメリットとデメリットを比較してみましょう。

誰かに疑い深い目で見られた時の気持ちを説明してください。

もしあなたが探偵だったら、どれくらい疑い深くなりますか?

「信じること」と「疑うこと」のバランスについて自分の考えを書いてください。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, you should use '怪しい' (ayashii) or '不審な' (fushin-na) for objects. '疑い深い' is only for a person's personality.

Mostly, yes, it implies a lack of trust. However, in investigative or scientific contexts, it can be a positive trait indicating thoroughness.

懐疑的 is more formal and used for skepticism toward ideas or theories. 疑い深い is used for people who don't trust others.

You would use the verb: '疑い始めています' (utagai-hajimete imasu). '疑い深くなっています' would mean you are becoming a more suspicious person in general.

The best opposites are '素直' (sunao - open/honest) or '信じやすい' (shinjiyasui - easy to believe/trusting).

This is due to 'rendaku' (sequential voicing), where the first sound of the second word in a compound becomes voiced.

Yes, if an animal is very wary and doesn't trust humans, you can say '疑い深い猫' (a suspicious cat).

Yes, many 'cool' or 'dark' characters are described as 疑い深い because they have been betrayed.

It is an i-adjective, so you drop the 'i' and add 'katta': 疑い深かった.

Yes, by adding 'sa' to the end: 疑い深さ (skepticism/suspiciousness).

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence describing a skeptical detective using '疑い深い'.

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writing

Explain why being '疑い深い' can be a disadvantage in friendship.

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writing

Translate: 'Don't look at me with such suspicious eyes.'

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writing

Write about a time you were '疑い深い'.

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writing

Contrast '疑い深い' and '用心深い' in two sentences.

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writing

Translate: 'He has a very suspicious nature.'

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writing

Write a dialogue between two friends where one is '疑い深い'.

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writing

Use the noun '疑い深さ' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Due to past betrayal, he became suspicious.'

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writing

Describe a character who is NOT '疑い深い'.

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writing

Translate: 'A skeptical attitude hinders innovation.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence using '懐疑的' instead of '疑い深い'.

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writing

Translate: 'It's hard to convince a suspicious client.'

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writing

Use '疑い深く' as an adverb in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence using '疑い深すぎる'.

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writing

Translate: 'Suspicious eyes are cold.'

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writing

Explain the etymology of '疑い深い' in Japanese.

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writing

Translate: 'He questioned her suspiciously.'

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writing

Describe a 'suspicious cat'.

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writing

Translate: 'I wasn't that suspicious before.'

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speaking

Describe a suspicious person you know using '疑い深い'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce '疑い深い' with correct pitch accent.

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speaking

How would you ask someone why they are so suspicious?

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speaking

Say 'Don't be so suspicious' in informal Japanese.

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speaking

Describe the difference between '疑い深い' and '怪しい'.

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speaking

How do you say 'He has become suspicious'?

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speaking

Roleplay: You are a detective. Say you are skeptical of the alibi.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I want to fix my suspicious nature.'

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speaking

Use 'utagaibukaku' in a sentence about checking a bill.

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speaking

Explain the meaning of 'utagai' and 'fukai'.

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speaking

How would you say 'She looks at me suspiciously'?

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speaking

Say 'It's not good to be too suspicious.'

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speaking

Say 'I'm not that suspicious.'

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speaking

Describe a movie character who is 'utagaibukai'.

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speaking

Say 'He is famous for being suspicious.'

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speaking

What is the adverb form of 'utagaibukai'?

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speaking

Say 'The more suspicious you are, the more lonely you get.'

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speaking

How do you say 'suspicious eyes'?

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speaking

Say 'He is suspicious of everyone.'

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speaking

Explain 'rendaku' in this word.

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listening

Listen and write the adjective: 'Kare wa utagaibukai seikaku desu.'

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listening

Is the speaker suspicious? 'Watashi wa utagaibukakunai desu.'

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listening

What is the noun heard? 'Utagaibukasa ga mondai da.'

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listening

Which word is used? 'Kaigiteki na taido o toru.'

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listening

Fill in the blank from audio: 'Sonna ni ( ) miru na.'

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listening

Is it past or present? 'Kanojo wa utagaibukakatta.'

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listening

What profession is mentioned? 'Utagaibukai keiji ga kita.'

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listening

What is the reason? 'Uragirarete kara utagaibukaku natta.'

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listening

Translate the phrase heard: 'Utagaibukai metsuki'.

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listening

Is it 'fukai' or 'bukai'? 'Utagaibukai'.

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listening

What is the subject? 'Society is getting suspicious.' (Shakai ga utagaibukaku natte iru.)

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listening

Does the speaker like the person? 'Aitsu wa utagaibukakute uzai.'

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listening

What is the negative? 'Utagaibukakunai'.

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listening

What is being checked? 'Utagaibukaku keiyakusho o miru.'

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listening

Identify the emphasis: 'Hijou ni utagaibukai.'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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