信任

• Reading: しんにん
• Romaji: shinnin
• Kanji breakdown: 信 (shin) — trust, faith; 任 (nin) — entrust, appoint
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɴ.ni.ɴ/

Meaning

Confidence; trust; approval; mandate. The formal expression of confidence in a leader or government, particularly in a parliamentary vote.

A suru-verb and noun. In parliamentary systems, 信任 is central to the concept of responsible government — a prime minister who loses a vote of no confidence (不信任決議) must resign or dissolve the parliament. 信任投票 (vote of confidence) is a key procedural mechanism. More broadly it means placing one's trust in a person or institution.

Examples

1. 内閣不信任決議案が可決され、首相は解散を選択した。 A motion of no confidence in the Cabinet was passed, and the Prime Minister chose to dissolve parliament.
2. 国民の信任を得られなければ、政権は続けられない。 Without the confidence of the people, a government cannot continue.
3. 新大臣は議会の信任を取りつけるため、所信表明を行った。 The new minister delivered a statement of intent in order to secure the confidence of parliament.

Usage Guide

Context: parliamentary procedure, elections, political commentary

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 信 (shin) meaning 'trust or faith' and 任 (nin) meaning 'entrust or appoint.' Together they express the act of entrusting authority to someone with confidence.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal