疑惑

• Reading: ぎわく
• Romaji: giwaku
• Kanji breakdown: 疑 (gi) — doubt, suspect; 惑 (waku) — bewilderment, confusion
• Pronunciation: /ɡi.wa.kɯ/

Meaning

Doubt; suspicion; misgivings. A feeling of distrust, especially regarding wrongdoing.

A noun describing suspicion or doubt, particularly regarding dishonesty or scandal. Stronger and more formal than 疑い (utagai), it often appears in news and political contexts — 汚職疑惑 (corruption suspicion), 疑惑が浮上する (suspicion arises), 疑惑を晴らす (to clear suspicion). Implies a serious allegation that has not yet been proven.

Examples

1. 政治家の資金疑惑がニュースで報じられた。 A politician's financial scandal was reported in the news.
2. 不正の疑惑が社内で広がっている。 Suspicions of misconduct are spreading within the company.
3. 疑惑を晴らすために本人が記者会見を開いた。 He held a press conference to clear his name of suspicion.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, law, investigations

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 疑 (gi, doubt/suspect) + 惑 (waku, bewilderment/confusion). Literally 'doubt and bewilderment' — a state where suspicion clouds clarity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal