Understanding 信仰 (しんこう)
信仰 specifically refers to religious faith or belief. It is often used to describe a person's devotion or trust in a particular religion or spiritual system. When using 信仰, speakers imply a deep, often personal conviction rather than a casual belief.
Common Contexts
信仰 is frequently used in discussions about religion, spirituality, and personal values. It can describe both the act of believing and the system of beliefs themselves.
Collocations and Patterns
- 信仰を持つ: to have faith or belief in a religion or principle.
- 信仰の自由: freedom of faith, often used in legal or social contexts.
- 信仰心: religious devotion or piety.
Usage Notes
信仰 is a formal word and is appropriate in both written and spoken contexts when discussing religion or belief seriously. It is not used for casual beliefs or opinions. Learners sometimes confuse 信仰 with 信じる (to believe), but 信じる is a verb for believing in something, while 信仰 is a noun referring to the faith itself.