信用する
To trust someone or something, believing they are reliable and will do what is expected.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we're learning the word 信用する (shin-yō suru). It means 'to trust'. Imagine you have a toy, and you give it to your friend. You trust your friend to give it back, right? That's 信用する!
When you 信用する someone, you think they are good and honest. You believe what they say. For example, if your mom tells you to eat your vegetables, you 信用する her because she knows what's best. It’s like having a good feeling about someone or something.
We use 信用する when we believe someone will do what they promise. It’s a very important word for being friends and working together. Do you 信用する your teacher? I hope so!
Let's talk about 信用する (shin-yō suru), which means 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in'. When you 信用する a person, you believe they are reliable and will act honestly. For instance, if your friend promises to help you with homework, you 信用する them.
This verb is used when you have a positive belief in someone's abilities or intentions. It’s more than just liking someone; it’s about believing they are dependable. You might 信用する a doctor's advice because they are an expert, or you might 信用する a company if they have a good reputation for making quality products.
Understanding 信用する helps you talk about relationships and reliability in Japanese. It’s a key word for expressing confidence in others.
The Japanese verb 信用する (shin-yō suru) translates to 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in'. It signifies placing reliance on someone or something based on their perceived integrity, ability, or truthfulness. For example, 私は彼の言うことを信用する (Watashi wa kare no iu koto o shin'yō suru) means 'I trust what he says.'
This verb is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts. In business, building 信用 (trust) is crucial. A company might strive to 顧客の信用を得る (kokyaku no shin'yō o eru), which means 'to gain the trust of customers.' This involves consistent quality and honest dealings.
On a personal level, you might 信用する a friend's judgment or 信用する a news source if you believe it is accurate. It implies a level of faith that goes beyond mere acquaintance, suggesting a solid belief in the subject's dependability.
信用する (shin-yō suru) is a fundamental verb meaning 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in'. It denotes a belief in the reliability, integrity, or competence of a person, entity, or concept. This trust is often earned through consistent positive experiences or a strong reputation.
In practical usage, 信用する can be applied to various scenarios. For instance, この銀行は信用できる (Kono ginkō wa shin'yō dekiru) means 'This bank is trustworthy/reliable.' The potential form 信用できる (shin'yō dekiru) is frequently used to express that someone or something is worthy of trust.
Conversely, the lack of trust is expressed using negative forms or related phrases like 信用できない (shin'yō dekinai), meaning 'cannot be trusted.' Understanding the nuances of 信用する allows for more precise communication about confidence, credibility, and reliance in diverse situations, from personal relationships to financial dealings.
The verb 信用する (shin-yō suru) signifies the act of placing trust or confidence in something or someone. It implies a reasoned belief in the integrity, capability, or veracity of the object of trust, often built over time or based on substantial evidence. It’s more than just a passive feeling; it often involves an active reliance.
Consider its application in complex systems: システムを信用する (shisutemu o shin'yō suru) might mean trusting the functionality and security of a technological system. In a legal or financial context, 信用する is paramount. For example, establishing creditworthiness involves building a reputation that allows others to 信用する your ability to meet financial obligations.
The term can also extend to abstract concepts, such as 科学的根拠を信用する (kagakuteki konkyo o shin'yō suru), 'to trust scientific evidence.' This highlights its use in contexts requiring critical evaluation and acceptance of information or principles based on perceived reliability.
Mastering 信用する (shin-yō suru) involves appreciating its depth beyond simple 'trust.' It encapsulates a profound reliance, often rooted in ethical considerations, proven competence, or established credibility. The term carries significant weight in socio-economic and interpersonal dynamics.
Historically, the development of 信用 (credit/trust) has been a cornerstone of civilization, enabling complex trade and social cooperation. The verb 信用する reflects this deep-seated need for reliability. In philosophical or ethical discussions, it might relate to 信義 (shingi), or good faith, suggesting a trust based on moral principles.
Furthermore, 信用する can be employed in nuanced discussions about belief systems or expert authority. For instance, 専門家の意見を無条件に信用するべきではない (Senmonka no iken o mujōken ni shin'yō suru beki dewa nai) warns against blindly trusting expert opinions, implying a need for critical discernment even when dealing with perceived authorities. This verb, therefore, serves as a vital marker for evaluating relationships, information, and systems.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 信用する (shin'yō suru) means 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in'.
- It implies belief in reliability, integrity, or capability.
- Used for people, companies, information, and systems.
- Key noun form is 信用 (shin'yō) - trust, credit, reputation.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 信用する (shin-yō suru). It's a super useful word that means 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in'. Think about all the times you rely on people or things – that's the essence of 信用する!
When you 信用する someone, you believe they are honest, capable, and dependable. It's not just a fleeting thought; it's a solid belief that forms the basis of many relationships and decisions. We use this verb in various situations, from personal interactions to business dealings, making it a versatile part of your Japanese vocabulary.
So, whether you're talking about trusting a friend's advice, believing in a company's product, or having faith in a plan, 信用する is the word you'll reach for. It’s all about that feeling of security and reliance we place on others or on certain facts.
The word 信用 (shin'yō) itself is a combination of two kanji characters that beautifully capture its meaning. The first character, 信 (shin), means 'faith,' 'trust,' or 'belief.' It's a fundamental character found in words related to honesty and sincerity.
The second character, 用 (yō), means 'use,' 'purpose,' or 'business.' When combined as 信用, it literally suggests something like 'using trust' or 'purpose of faith.' This implies that trust isn't just a passive feeling; it's something actively utilized, especially in transactions and relationships.
The verb する (suru) is the standard Japanese verb for 'to do,' and when attached to 信用, it forms the active verb 'to trust' or 'to place trust in.' Historically, the concept of 信用 has been crucial in commerce and social structures, where establishing and maintaining trust was essential for survival and prosperity. The evolution of this term reflects the enduring importance of reliability in human interactions.
信用する is a versatile verb used in many contexts. You'll often hear it when people talk about relationships, business, and even technology. A common pairing is 顧客の信用を得る (kokyaku no shin'yō o eru), meaning 'to gain a customer's trust.' This highlights its importance in building business relationships.
In a more personal setting, you might say 友達を信用する (tomodachi o shin'yō suru), 'to trust a friend.' It can also be used for abstract concepts, like 彼の言葉を信用する (kare no kotoba o shin'yō suru), 'to believe his words.' The level of formality can vary; while 信用する is generally neutral, the noun 信用 itself can appear in very formal business or legal contexts.
Think of it on a scale: at the casual end, you might simply rely on someone, but 信用する implies a deeper level of confidence. It's less about a quick 'okay' and more about a sustained belief in someone's or something's integrity and capability. Mastering its usage will significantly enhance your ability to express nuances of trust in Japanese.
While 信用する is a straightforward verb, the noun 信用 (shin'yō) appears in several common expressions that add color to the language. These phrases often relate to reputation, credit, and belief.
One common phrase is 信用第一 (shin'yō daiichi), which translates to 'Trust first' or 'Credibility is paramount.' This is often used as a motto, especially in business, emphasizing that maintaining trust is the highest priority.
Another useful expression is 信用が置けない (shin'yō ga okenai). This literally means 'cannot place trust in,' and it's used to describe someone or something that is unreliable or untrustworthy. For example, あの人は信用が置けない (Ano hito wa shin'yō ga okenai) means 'That person is not trustworthy.'
You might also encounter 信用組合 (shin'yō kumiai), which refers to a 'credit union,' a type of financial cooperative. This shows how 信用 is directly linked to financial reliability and trust in the banking world.
Finally, the phrase 信用をつける (shin'yō o tsukeru) can mean 'to establish credit' or 'to gain trust.' This is particularly relevant in financial contexts, signifying building a reputation for reliability.
信用する is a ru-verb (ichidan verb), which makes its conjugation relatively simple. For instance, the past tense is 信用した (shin'yō shita), the negative is 信用しない (shin'yō shinai), and the potential form is 信用できる (shin'yō dekiru - can trust).
Pronunciation-wise, let's break it down. In Japanese, syllables are generally given equal stress, but 信用する has a natural flow. The 'shi' in 'shin' is like the English 'shee'. The 'nyō' in 'shin'yō' is a nasal sound, similar to the 'ny' in 'canyon'. The 'su' in 'suru' is pronounced with a very soft 'u' sound, almost like 's'.
IPA Pronunciation:
- Japanese: /ɕiɴjo̞ː t͡sɯ̹ᵝɾɯ̹ᵝ/
British English Approximation: shin-YOH-soo-roo (with the 'u' in 'roo' very light)
American English Approximation: shin-YOH-soo-roo (again, the final 'u' is almost silent)
When it comes to rhyming, finding perfect rhymes in Japanese is different from English. However, words ending in '-suru' share a similar verb ending. For example, 勉強する (benkyō suru - to study) and 実行する (jikkō suru - to execute) share the same verb form.
Fun Fact
The character '信' (shin) is composed of '人' (person) and '言' (words), literally meaning 'a person's words', highlighting the fundamental link between trust and promises.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'shin-yoh-SOO-roo', with the emphasis slightly on 'yoh' and 'soo', and the final 'u' sound very light.
Similar to UK, 'shin-yoh-SOO-roo', with a clear 'yoh' sound and a soft final 'roo'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'shin' as 'shin' (like in 'shin bone') instead of 'shin' (like 'sheen').
- Omitting the nasal 'n' sound in 'shin' or 'n' in 'shin'yō'.
- Making the final 'u' in 'suru' too prominent; it should be very light or almost silent.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Generally easy to read, especially with context.
Straightforward conjugation, but nuances with synonyms need practice.
Pronunciation is manageable, but choosing the right synonym takes practice.
Common verb, usually easy to catch in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Ru-verbs)
信用する -> 信用した (past), 信用しない (negative), 信用できる (potential)
Using Nouns with する Verbs
信用 (noun) + する (verb) = 信用する (verb)
Potential Form
信用できる (shin'yō dekiru) - can trust
Examples by Level
私はあなたを信用する。
I / you / trust.
Basic sentence structure: Subject + Object + Verb.
この犬はとても良い犬です。
This / dog / very / good / dog / is.
Using adjectives to describe nouns.
ママはいつも正しいです。
Mom / always / correct / is.
Using adverbs like 'always'.
この車は安全です。
This / car / safe / is.
Simple adjective use.
友達を信用します。
Friend / trust.
Placing trust in someone.
先生の話を聞きましょう。
Teacher / story / listen / let's.
Using the 'mashou' form for suggestions.
この本は本当です。
This / book / true / is.
Expressing belief in something.
私はあなたの約束を信用する。
I / your / promise / trust.
Trusting a promise.
私は彼の正直さを信用します。
I / his / honesty / trust.
Using the noun 'honesty'.
この会社は評判が良いので信用できます。
This / company / reputation / good / because / trust / can.
Using 'node' (because) and potential form 'dekiru'.
彼女の提案は信用する価値があると思います。
Her / proposal / trust / worth / has / think.
Using 'kachi ga aru' (is worth).
私たちはこの新しい技術を信用して投資しました。
We / this / new / technology / trust / invested.
Using past tense and expressing reason for action.
そのニュースは本当かどうか信用できません。
That / news / true / whether / trust / cannot.
Expressing doubt or inability to trust.
信用できる情報源からそれを学びました。
Trustworthy / information source / from / it / learned.
Using adjectives like 'trustworthy'.
彼の言葉を信用してはいけません。
His / words / trust / should not.
Using negative command form 'te wa ikemasen'.
この製品は品質が高いので信用しています。
This / product / quality / high / because / trust / am.
Expressing trust based on quality.
長年の経験から、私はこの方法を信用するようになった。
Long years / experience / from / I / this / method / trust / began to.
Using 'ni natta' to indicate a change in state.
顧客からの信用を失うことは、ビジネスにとって致命的だ。
Customers / from / trust / lose / is / business / for / fatal.
Using the noun 'shin'yō' and expressing consequences.
彼の計画は大胆だが、成功すると信用している。
His / plan / bold / but / succeed / I believe.
Expressing belief in a future outcome.
インターネットの情報はすべて信用できるわけではない。
Internet / information / all / trust / can / not necessarily.
Using 'wake dewa nai' for 'not necessarily'.
この地域では、信用組合が人々の生活を支えている。
This / region / in / credit union / people / lives / support.
Introducing the term 'credit union'.
彼女の分析能力を信用しているので、重要な仕事を任せた。
Her / analytical ability / trust / because / important / work / entrusted.
Using 'node' (because) to link ability and action.
古い友人の言葉は、たとえ厳しくても信用できる。
Old friend / words / even if / strict / still / can trust.
Using 'tatoe...temo' (even if...).
このブランドは品質管理を徹底しているので、消費者は信用している。
This / brand / quality control / thorough / because / consumers / trust.
Explaining the reason for trust (quality control).
彼の揺るぎない誠実さは、多くの人々に信用されている証拠だ。
His / unwavering / sincerity / many / people / by / trusted / evidence / is.
Using passive form 'sareteiru' and noun 'shōko' (evidence).
金融市場においては、信用リスクの管理が極めて重要となる。
Financial markets / in / credit risk / management / extremely / important / becomes.
Formal vocabulary: 'kin'yū shijō', 'shin'yō risuku'.
長年の実績から、その企業の経営陣は市場から十分に信用されていると言えるだろう。
Many years / track record / from / that / company / management team / market / from / sufficiently / trusted / can say.
Using phrases like 'to ieru darō' (it can be said that).
我々は、透明性の高い情報公開によって、社会からの信用を維持・向上させている。
We / transparency / high / information disclosure / by / society / from / trust / maintain / improve / are doing.
Formal phrasing: 'jōhō kōkai', 'shin'yō o iji/kōjō'.
彼の過去の言動を鑑みると、今回の提案も信用するには値しない。
His / past / words and actions / considering / this time / proposal / also / trust / to / not worth.
Using 'kangae miru' (to consider) and 'atai shinasai' (not worth).
このアルゴリズムは、膨大なデータセットに基づいており、その予測精度は高く信用に足る。
This / algorithm / vast / data set / based on / its / prediction accuracy / high / trust / worthy.
Sophisticated vocabulary: 'arugorizumu', 'sokutei seido', 'shin'yō ni taru'.
たとえ困難な状況であっても、チームメンバーはお互いを信用し合い、協力して目標を達成した。
Even if / difficult / situation / even / team members / each other / trust each other / cooperate / goal / achieved.
Using reciprocal verb 'shin'yō shiai' (trust each other).
その研究結果は再現性が低いため、科学界からの信用を得るには至っていない。
That / research results / reproducibility / low / therefore / scientific community / from / trust / gain / has not reached.
Formal terms: 'saigen-sei', 'kagakukai', 'tō ni itanai'.
彼の弁舌の巧みさにもかかわらず、その主張の根拠は薄弱であり、全面的に信用することはできない。
His / eloquence / skill / despite / that / assertion / basis / weak / is / completely / trust / cannot do.
Advanced vocabulary: 'benzetsu', 'shuchō', 'konkyo', 'usujaku'.
グローバル経済の不確実性が高まる中、投資家は企業のガバナンス体制をより厳しく信用評価している。
Global economy / uncertainty / increasing / while / investors / companies / governance system / more strictly / credit evaluation / are doing.
Specialized terms: 'gabunansu taisei', 'shin'yō hyōka'.
情報過多の現代社会において、個々の情報源を批判的に吟味し、信用に足るものだけを選択する能力が不可欠である。
Information overload / modern society / in / individual / information sources / critically / examine / trust / worthy / only / select / ability / essential / is.
Complex sentence structure and vocabulary: 'jōhō kata', 'higan-teki ni ginmi'.
歴史的文書の解釈においては、筆者の意図や時代背景を考慮し、その記述を鵜呑みにせず慎重に信用する必要がある。
Historical documents / interpretation / in / author / intention / era background / consider / that / description / blindly accept / not / carefully / trust / need.
Nuanced expression: 'unomi ni sezu' (without blindly accepting).
AI技術の進展は目覚ましいが、その判断プロセスがブラックボックス化している現状では、重要な意思決定において無条件に信用するにはリスクが伴う。
AI technology / development / remarkable / but / its / judgment process / black box / becoming / current situation / in / important / decision making / unconditionally / trust / to / risk / accompanies.
Technical terms: 'burakku bokkusu', 'ishikettei'.
彼の長年にわたる地域社会への貢献は、単なる善意を超えた、深い相互信用に基づいている。
His / many years / community / to / contribution / mere / goodwill / beyond / deep / mutual trust / based on.
Emphasizing 'mutual trust' (sōgo shin'yō).
証券市場における信用取引は、レバレッジ効果を享受できる一方で、その信用リスクの大きさから慎重な判断が求められる。
Securities market / in / margin trading / leverage effect / can enjoy / on the other hand / that / credit risk / size / from / careful judgment / is required.
Financial jargon: 'shin'yō torihiki', 'shin'yō risuku'.
この文学作品は、語り手の主観性が強く反映されているため、記述内容を事実として信用するには留保が必要だ。
This / literary work / narrator / subjectivity / strongly / reflected / because / descriptive content / fact / as / trust / reservation / is necessary.
Literary analysis terms: 'shukantsei', 'ryūho'.
近代社会の基盤は、契約に基づく相互信用の上に成り立っており、その信用システムが破綻すれば文明そのものが危機に瀕する。
Modern society / foundation / contract / based on / mutual trust / upon / stands / that / trust system / collapses / civilization / itself / crisis / faces.
Philosophical tone: 'kinsei shakai', 'bunmei'.
彼の芸術的表現は、既存の美学に対する挑戦であり、その革新性を理解し信用するには、従来の価値観からの脱却が求められる。
His / artistic expression / existing / aesthetics / towards / challenge / is / its / innovativeness / understand / trust / to / conventional / values / from / departure / is required.
Artistic critique: 'bigaku', 'kakushinsei', 'dakyaku'.
量子コンピューティングの可能性は計り知れないが、その動作原理の複雑さとエラー訂正の困難さから、実用的な応用における信用確立にはまだ時間を要するだろう。
Quantum computing / potential / immeasurable / but / its / operating principles / complexity / error correction / difficulty / from / practical application / in / trust establishment / still / time / will require.
Highly technical: 'ryōshi konpyūtingu', 'errā teisei'.
この言説空間においては、権威の源泉が多様化・流動化しており、個々の情報に対する信用性の判断は、高度な情報リテラシーを要求する。
This / discourse space / in / authority / source / diversified / fluid / is / individual / information / towards / credibility / judgment / advanced / information literacy / demands.
Academic discourse: 'genten', 'ryūdōka', 'jōhō riterashī'.
彼の哲学は、経験主義と合理主義の緊張関係の中で、人間の認識能力に対する根源的な信用を問い直す試みである。
His / philosophy / empiricism / rationalism / tension relationship / within / human / cognitive ability / towards / fundamental / trust / re-examine / attempt / is.
Philosophical concepts: 'keiken shugi', 'gōri shugi'.
社会契約説の観点から見れば、国家の正統性は、市民がその統治機構を信用し、それに従う意思があるかどうかにかかっている。
Social contract theory / perspective / from / look / state / legitimacy / citizens / its / governing institutions / trust / obey / will / whether / depends on.
Political philosophy: 'shakai keiyaku setsu', 'seitōsei'.
その芸術家の作品は、しばしば現実と虚構の境界を曖昧にし、鑑賞者に提示された情報を無批判に信用することへの警鐘を鳴らす。
That / artist / work / often / reality / fiction / boundary / blurs / viewer / to / presented / information / uncritically / trust / towards / warning / rings.
Literary/artistic critique: 'kyokō', 'keishō'.
経済システムの安定性は、参加者間の信用供与メカニズムの健全性に依存しており、その連鎖が断たれると、システム全体が崩壊しかねない。
Economic system / stability / participants / between / credit provision / mechanism / health / depends on / that / chain / breaks / system / entire / collapse / may.
Economic theory: 'shin'yō kyōyo', 'kenzensei'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"信用第一 (shin'yō daiichi)"
Credibility is paramount; Trust first.
ビジネスにおいては、信用第一の精神が大切です。(In business, the spirit of 'trust first' is important.)
formal/business"信用が置けない (shin'yō ga okenai)"
Cannot be trusted; unreliable.
あの人の言うことは信用が置けないよ。(You can't trust what that person says.)
neutral/casual""
Credit union.
信用組合は地域社会に根差した金融機関です。(Credit unions are financial institutions rooted in the local community.)
neutral/formal"信用をつける (shin'yō o tsukeru)"
To establish credit; to gain trust.
若い頃から借金をきちんと返済し、信用をつけてきた。(From a young age, I paid back loans diligently and built up my credit.)
neutral/financial"信用に足る (shin'yō ni taru)"
Worthy of trust; credible.
彼の経歴は信用に足るものだ。(His background is worthy of trust.)
formal"信用情報 (shin'yō jōhō)"
Credit information; credit history.
ローンを組むには、信用情報が重要になる。(Credit information becomes important when applying for a loan.)
formal/financialEasily Confused
Both mean 'to trust' and are often used interchangeably.
信用する often relates more to credibility, reputation, and creditworthiness (especially financial). 信頼する can imply a deeper emotional reliance, faith, and confidence in someone's character or abilities.
彼の言葉を信用する。(I trust his words - focusing on credibility). 彼の能力を信頼する。(I trust his abilities - focusing on deep confidence).
All relate to belief and trust.
信じる is a general term for 'to believe' (in facts, ideas, people). 信用する specifically implies trust based on reliability and integrity. You 信じる a story, but you 信用する a person's promise.
神を信じる。(Believe in God - faith). 彼の約束を信用する。(Trust his promise - reliability).
Both involve depending on someone.
頼る means 'to rely on' or 'to depend on' for help or support. 信用する means 'to trust' their integrity or capability. You might 頼る a friend for a ride, but you 信用する their honesty.
この件は君に頼る。(I'll rely on you for this matter). 彼の誠実さを信用する。(I trust his sincerity).
Both involve entrusting something.
任せる means 'to entrust' a task or responsibility to someone. It implies confidence in their ability to handle it. 信用する is the underlying belief in their trustworthiness or capability that allows you to 任せる them.
重要な仕事を彼に任せた。(I entrusted the important job to him - implies 信用する his ability). 彼の言葉を信用する。(I trust his words - focus on belief).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 信用する
私はあなたの言葉を信用します。(I trust your words.)
Noun + が + 信用できる / できない
この情報は信用できます。(This information is trustworthy.)
Noun + の + 信用 + を + 得る / 失う
顧客の信用を得ることが大切です。(Gaining customer trust is important.)
Verb (dictionary form) + こと + を + 信用する
彼が約束を守ることを信用しています。(I trust that he will keep his promise.)
Noun + は + 信用 + に + 足る / 値する
彼の経験は信用に足るものです。(His experience is worthy of trust.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
信じる is broader and can mean 'to believe' in general. 信用する specifically implies trust in reliability, capability, or integrity, especially in contexts like business or personal dependability.
While often interchangeable, 信用 often relates more to credibility, reputation, and creditworthiness (especially financial), whereas 信頼 can carry a deeper sense of emotional reliance and faith.
信用する is a ru-verb (ichidan), so its conjugations follow that pattern (e.g., -suru -> -dekiru, not -seru).
For believing or disbelieving a statement or fact, 信じる (shinjiru) is usually more natural than 信用する.
In very casual settings, simpler verbs like 任せる (makaseru - to entrust) or 頼む (tanomu - to ask/rely on) might be more common than the more formal-sounding 信用する.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Shin' (shin bone) that needs 'Yo' (like your yo-yo) to stay balanced. You need trust (shin'yō) for things to be stable!
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 信用する when people discuss reliability of news sources, trustworthiness of colleagues, or the reputation of companies.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, 'face' (面子 - mentsu) and reputation are closely tied to 信用. Losing trust can have significant social and professional consequences.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 信用できる (shin'yō dekiru) for 'trustworthy'. It's a very common and useful form!
Say It Right
Focus on the nasal 'n' in 'shin' and 'shin'yō', and keep the final 'u' in 'suru' very light.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 信用する for simply 'believing' a statement; use 信じる instead for that nuance.
Did You Know?
The concept of 'credit' in finance (信用取引, 信用情報) stems directly from the idea of trusting someone's ability to pay back.
Study Smart
Create flashcards comparing 信用する, 信じる, and 信頼する. Write example sentences for each to see the subtle differences.
Real-World Application
Think about a service you use daily. Would you 信用する it? Why or why not? Try to explain in Japanese.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Shin' (like 'shin bone') needing 'Yo' (like 'yo-yo') to stay balanced - you need trust (shin'yō) for things to work!
Visual Association
Imagine a handshake (representing trust) between two people, with the kanji 信用 floating above them.
Word Web
Challenge
Try using 信用する in a sentence about someone you admire.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kanji compound)
Original meaning: 信 (shin) - faith, trust; 用 (yō) - use, purpose. Combined: 'use of trust' or 'purpose of faith', implying active reliance.
Cultural Context
While generally a positive term, placing too much 信用 in unreliable sources or individuals can lead to negative consequences, highlighting the importance of discernment.
In English-speaking cultures, trust is built through actions, consistency, and transparency. The concept of 'credit' is heavily emphasized in financial contexts, similar to Japan.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business Negotiations
- 顧客の信用を得る (kokyaku no shin'yō o eru) - to gain customer trust
- 信用取引 (shin'yō torihiki) - margin trading / credit transaction
- 信用調査 (shin'yō chōsa) - credit investigation
Personal Relationships
- 友達を信用する (tomodachi o shin'yō suru) - to trust a friend
- 彼の言うことを信用できない (kare no iu koto o shin'yō dekinai) - cannot trust what he says
- 信用できる人 (shin'yō dekiru hito) - a trustworthy person
News and Information
- 情報源を信用する (jōhōgen o shin'yō suru) - to trust the source of information
- 信用できるニュース (shin'yō dekiru nyūsu) - trustworthy news
- 信用できない情報 (shin'yō dekinai jōhō) - untrustworthy information
Financial Matters
- 信用組合 (shin'yō kumiai) - credit union
- 信用情報機関 (shin'yō jōhō kikan) - credit information agency
- 信用不安 (shin'yō fuan) - crisis of confidence
Conversation Starters
"最近、誰か（または何か）を信用するようになったきっかけは何ですか？"
"あなたが最も信用している人は誰ですか？その理由は何ですか？"
"ビジネスにおいて、信用を得るために最も重要なことは何だと思いますか？"
"インターネット上の情報について、どのように信用性を判断しますか？"
"もし誰かの信用を失ってしまったら、それを回復するためにどうしますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you trusted someone and were right to do so.
Write about a situation where you lost trust in someone or something. What happened?
What qualities make a person or institution trustworthy in your opinion?
How important is reputation (信用) in your own culture or society?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions信じる is a broader term for 'to believe,' while 信用する specifically means 'to trust' in terms of reliability, credibility, or dependability. You might 信じる a story but 信用する a person's ability.
No, you can 信用する people, companies, organizations, information, plans, or even abstract concepts like systems.
The potential form is 信用できる (shin'yō dekiru), meaning 'can be trusted' or 'trustworthy'.
The direct opposite is 信用しない (shin'yō shinai - do not trust). Other related antonyms include 疑う (utagau - to doubt) and 裏切る (uragiru - to betray).
信用する itself is a neutral verb, suitable for most situations. However, the noun 信用 (shin'yō) appears in more formal contexts like business and finance.
While related, 信じる (shinjiru) is more commonly used for religious faith or belief in a higher power. 信用する is more about practical trust and reliability.
It means 'credit union,' a type of financial cooperative that offers banking services to its members.
Trust and reputation (信用) are highly valued in Japanese society, particularly in business and interpersonal relationships. Building and maintaining 信用 is considered crucial.
Test Yourself
私はあなたのことを ______ する。
The sentence means 'I ______ you.' The correct word for 'trust' is 信用する.
「信用する」の意味はどれですか？
信用する means 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in'.
「信用できない」は「trustworthy」という意味です。
「信用できない」 means 'untrustworthy' or 'cannot be trusted'.
Word
Meaning
These phrases show common ways to use the concept of 信用 (trust).
The correct sentence is '顧客の信用を得ることはビジネスに大切だ。' (Gaining customer trust is important for business.)
彼の誠実さを ______ 、皆が彼を尊敬している。
The sentence means '____ his sincerity, everyone respects him.' The correct word indicating trust is 信じて (believing/trusting).
「信用に足る」はどのような状況で使われますか？
「信用に足る」 means 'worthy of trust' or 'credible'.
インターネット上の情報は、______ 慎重に判断する必要がある。
The completed sentence means 'Because not all information on the internet is necessarily trustworthy, it is necessary to judge carefully.'
「信用リスク」とは、どのようなリスクを指しますか？
信用リスク (shin'yō risuku) refers to the risk of default or failure to meet obligations, often in financial contexts.
Write a sentence using 信用する about a bank.
This demonstrates using 信用する in a financial context, highlighting reputation and reliability.
Score: /10
Summary
信用する is your go-to verb when you need to express confidence in someone's or something's dependability and integrity.
- 信用する (shin'yō suru) means 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in'.
- It implies belief in reliability, integrity, or capability.
- Used for people, companies, information, and systems.
- Key noun form is 信用 (shin'yō) - trust, credit, reputation.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Shin' (shin bone) that needs 'Yo' (like your yo-yo) to stay balanced. You need trust (shin'yō) for things to be stable!
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 信用する when people discuss reliability of news sources, trustworthiness of colleagues, or the reputation of companies.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, 'face' (面子 - mentsu) and reputation are closely tied to 信用. Losing trust can have significant social and professional consequences.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 信用できる (shin'yō dekiru) for 'trustworthy'. It's a very common and useful form!
Example
彼は信用できる人物なので、安心して仕事を任せられます。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More work words
調整
A1The act of making small changes to something to achieve a desired fit, function, or balance. In a work context, it specifically refers to coordinating schedules or aligning different opinions to reach an agreement.
有利な
B1Advantageous or favorable.
承知する
B1To acknowledge, agree; to be aware of and consent to something.
年収
B1Annual income; yearly salary.
応募
B1To apply for a position, a competition, a prize, or a public offer. It indicates a proactive step to participate in something.
応募する
B1To apply for a job or position.
勤怠
B1Attendance record; presence or absence from work.
係員
A2Person in charge; attendant.
～と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
ぎんこういん
A2Bank employee.
