How do you say "I want to believe, but I can't believe it." in Japanese?

"I want to believe, but I can't believe it." in Japanese is "信じていたいけど信じれないこと". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "信じていたいけど信じれないこと" mean in English?

"信じていたいけど信じれないこと" means "I want to believe, but I can't believe it." in English. Usage tip: Using both aspirational and negative forms, the phrase captures inner conflict.

🤞❌

How to Say ‘I want to believe, but I can't believe it.’ in Japanese

信じていたいけど信じれないこと

shinji te i tai kedo shinji re nai koto

[shinji te i tai kedo shinji re nai koto]

💬 Usage Tip: Using both aspirational and negative forms, the phrase captures inner conflict.

🇯🇵 In Japan: The dichotomy of hope and reality resonates in Japanese culture and literature.

Phrase Breakdown

信じていたいけど

shinji te i tai kedo

Words in this phrase

信じ

shinji

[shinji]

to believe

To accept something as true or real.

Example

そのニュースを信じる。

Believe in that news.

て

[te]

and

A particle used to connect verbs or adjectives.

Example

彼に会って話す。

Meet him and talk.

い

[i]

to be

Existence or presence in a state.

Example

ここにいる。

I am here.

たい

tai

[tai]

want to

Desire to do something.

Example

見たい映画がある。

There is a movie I want to see.

けど

kedo

[kedo]

but

Used to introduce a contrasting idea.

Example

行きたいけど、時間がない。

I want to go, but I don't have time.

信じれないこと

shinji re nai koto

Words in this phrase

信じ

shinji

[shinji]

to believe

To accept something as true or real.

Example

そのニュースを信じる。

Believe in that news.

れ

[re]

can

To indicate ability or potential.

Example

できれば手伝う。

I will help if I can.

ない

nai

[nai]

not

A suffix to negate the verb.

Example

食べられない。

Cannot eat.

こと

koto

[koto]

thing

An object, idea, or event.

Example

それはいいことだ。

That is a good thing.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”

Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager