不審

ふしん

suspicious, doubt, infidelity

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"不審" (ふしん) is a formal adjective used to describe something or someone that appears suspicious, doubtful, or untrustworthy. It often implies a sense of caution or mistrust, especially in contexts involving safety, honesty, or intentions.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in security, police reports, and everyday warnings about suspicious behavior or objects. It can describe people, actions, or things that raise doubts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 不審な行動 (ふしんなこうどう): suspicious behavior
  • 不審な人物 (ふしんなじんぶつ): suspicious person
  • 不審物 (ふしんぶつ): suspicious object
  • 不審に思う (ふしんにおもう): to feel suspicious

Register and Politeness

"不審" is neutral to formal and often appears in written or official contexts. It is less common in casual conversation but understood widely.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "不審" with "不信" (ふしん), which means distrust or lack of faith. Remember, "不審" focuses on suspicion about something being strange or questionable, while "不信" relates more to distrust in people or ideas.

Example Sentences

かれのこうどうはふしんで、けいさつにつうほうされた。

His behavior was suspicious, and the police were notified.

ふしんなめーるはあけないほうがいい。

It's better not to open suspicious emails.

かのじょのふしんなたいどがみんなのちゅういをひいた。

Her suspicious attitude drew everyone's attention.