верить vs доверять

verit' vs doveryat' — believe (a claim/person) vs trust/rely on

What it really means

Верить means believe that something is true or believe a person's words: верить в чудеса, верить ему. Доверять means trust a person, institution, or process enough to rely on them; it normally takes the dative. It can also mean entrust something to someone: доверять кому-то секрет.

A person may верить a particular promise without fully доверять the speaker.

Examples in natural speech

Я не верю этой истории.
I do not believe this story.
Она верит в удачу.
She believes in luck.
Ты веришь ему?
Do you believe him?
Я доверяю этому врачу.
I trust this doctor.
Он доверил сестре ключи.
He entrusted his sister with the keys.

Common mistakes

Верить кому-то and доверять кому-то both take dative, but they are not identical: верить reports belief in words; доверять is broader confidence. Do not use доверять в чудеса; say верить в чудеса.

Memory tip

Верить is about truth; доверять is about relying safely on someone.

Frequently asked questions

What case follows доверять?

Dative: доверять другу, врачу, компании.

Can верить mean trust?

Sometimes in a limited sense, especially believe someone’s words; доверять is stronger ongoing trust.

How do I say believe in yourself?

Верить в себя.

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