信用を失う
shinyō o ushinau
lose credibility
Literally: trust/credibility (信用) + [object marker] (を) + to lose (失う)
In 15 Seconds
- Losing someone's trust or your professional credibility.
- Used for serious mistakes, broken promises, or business failures.
- A heavy phrase that implies a damaged reputation.
Meaning
This phrase describes the moment you lose someone's trust or damage your reputation by failing to follow through on a promise or expectation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a business mistake
納期に遅れると、会社の信用を失うことになります。
If we miss the deadline, we will lose the company's credibility.
Regretting a lie to a partner
嘘をついて、彼女の信用を失ってしまった。
I lied and ended up losing her trust.
Texting a friend about a flaky person
あいつ、ドタキャンばかりしてると信用を失うよ。
If he keeps canceling last minute, he's going to lose everyone's trust.
Cultural Background
In Japan, 'Shinyo' is the basis of the 'Keiretsu' system. Companies often do business without complex contracts because their 'Shinyo' acts as the guarantee. Students are taught from a young age that being late ({遅刻|ちこく}) is a direct way to lose 'Shinyo'. This is why Japanese trains are so punctual. The term 'Enjo' (flaming) often leads to a 'loss of Shinyo'. Influencers who lose 'Shinyo' often have to go on a hiatus. The 'Shinyo Kinko' (Credit Union) is a common type of bank in Japan, emphasizing that their entire business model is built on this word.
Use with 'Ichido'
Pairing this with '{一度|いちど}' (once) emphasizes that trust is fragile. '{一度|いちど}{信用|しんよう}を{失|うしな}うと...' is a very natural sentence starter.
Too Heavy for Small Talk
Don't use this if you forgot to bring a snack to a party. It's too serious and might make people feel awkward.
In 15 Seconds
- Losing someone's trust or your professional credibility.
- Used for serious mistakes, broken promises, or business failures.
- A heavy phrase that implies a damaged reputation.
What It Means
Think of trust like a social bank account. Every time you keep a promise, you deposit points. 信用を失う is what happens when you make a massive withdrawal and hit zero. It is about losing your 'credit' with others. It implies that people no longer feel they can rely on you. It is a heavy, serious phrase.
How To Use It
You usually use this when discussing the consequences of an action. It often appears with 〜てしまう to show regret. For example, 嘘をついて信用を失ってしまった (I lied and lost their trust). You can use it about yourself or others. It is common in both business and deep personal relationships.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are high. Use it in business when a deadline is missed. Use it with friends if you reveal a big secret. It is perfect for discussing professional reputations. If a company releases a bad product, they 信用を失う. It sounds mature and responsible.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, trivial mistakes. If you forget to bring a pen to class, it is too dramatic. Using it for small things makes you sound like a drama queen. Also, do not use it for 'losing' physical objects. You lose keys with なくす, not 失う. This is strictly for abstract concepts like credibility.
Cultural Background
Japan is a high-context, trust-based society. In Japanese business, 信用 (shinyō) is often more valuable than money. Many deals are sealed with a handshake rather than a 50-page contract. Once you lose this 'credit,' it is notoriously hard to get back. It is tied to the idea of being a reliable member of the group.
Common Variations
You might hear 信用をなくす in more casual daily speech. It means the same thing but feels slightly less heavy. If you want to sound even more intense, use 信頼を裏切る (to betray trust). For a very formal setting, you might use 失墜する (to fall/collapse) regarding your reputation. Stick to 信用を失う for most serious situations.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral but carries significant weight. In business, it is a very serious matter. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences to maintain its impact.
Use with 'Ichido'
Pairing this with '{一度|いちど}' (once) emphasizes that trust is fragile. '{一度|いちど}{信用|しんよう}を{失|うしな}うと...' is a very natural sentence starter.
Too Heavy for Small Talk
Don't use this if you forgot to bring a snack to a party. It's too serious and might make people feel awkward.
Examples
6納期に遅れると、会社の信用を失うことになります。
If we miss the deadline, we will lose the company's credibility.
A very common professional warning about punctuality.
嘘をついて、彼女の信用を失ってしまった。
I lied and ended up losing her trust.
Uses the 'te-shimau' form to express deep regret.
あいつ、ドタキャンばかりしてると信用を失うよ。
If he keeps canceling last minute, he's going to lose everyone's trust.
Casual warning about social reputation.
ダイエット中なのにケーキを食べて、自分への信用を失った。
I ate cake while on a diet and lost trust in myself.
Using a heavy phrase for a light personal failure.
今回の不祥事で、多くの顧客からの信用を失いました。
Due to this scandal, we have lost the trust of many customers.
Standard corporate apology phrasing.
あの政治家は公約を守らず、国民の信用を失った。
That politician didn't keep his promises and lost the public's trust.
Commonly used in news and political discussions.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
{嘘|うそ}をつくと、{友達|ともだち}の{信用|しんよう}（ ）{失|うしな}いますよ。
The particle 'o' is used to mark the direct object of the verb 'ushinau'.
Which situation is the most appropriate for using '{信用|しんよう}を{失|うしな}う'?
Select the best context:
This involves a serious breach of public trust and safety, which is the core of 'Shinyo o ushinau'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {田中|たなか}さん、また{遅刻|ちこく}？ B: うん。あんなに{遅刻|ちこく}ばかりしてたら、みんなの（ ）。
Repeated lateness leads to a loss of trust.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{嘘|うそ}をつくと、{友達|ともだち}の{信用|しんよう}（ ）{失|うしな}いますよ。
The particle 'o' is used to mark the direct object of the verb 'ushinau'.
Select the best context:
This involves a serious breach of public trust and safety, which is the core of 'Shinyo o ushinau'.
A: {田中|たなか}さん、また{遅刻|ちこく}？ B: うん。あんなに{遅刻|ちこく}ばかりしてたら、みんなの（ ）。
Repeated lateness leads to a loss of trust.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, '{信用|しんよう}を{失|うしな}う' is only for abstract trust. For objects, use '{壊|こわ}す' (break) or '{失|うしな}う' (lose) for things like keys.
Yes, it is very common in formal apology emails to express that you are aware of the damage to your reputation.
'Shinyo' is based on past performance (like a credit score). 'Shinrai' is a future-looking emotional trust (like trusting a friend with a secret).
Related Phrases
{信頼|しんらい}を{裏切|うらぎ}る
similarTo betray trust.
{顔|かお}に{泥|どろ}を{塗|ぬ}る
similarTo bring shame to someone (literally: to smear mud on their face).
{信用|しんよう}を{取|と}り{戻|もど}す
contrastTo regain trust.
{面目|めんぼく}を{潰|つぶ}す
similarTo lose face.
