Meaning and Usage
"信じる" (しんじる) means "to believe" or "to trust." It is used when you accept something as true or have confidence in someone or something.
Common Contexts
You often use "信じる" when talking about believing someone's words, trusting friends, or having faith in concepts like God or ideals.
Collocations and Patterns
- 〜を信じる: to believe (something or someone)
- 〜を信じて: believing in (used to express trust or faith)
- 友達を信じる: to trust friends
- 神様を信じる: to believe in God
Register and Nuance
"信じる" is neutral and common in both spoken and written Japanese. It can express both rational belief and emotional trust.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "信じる" with "思う" (to think). Remember, "信じる" implies a stronger acceptance or trust, not just an opinion.