Soupçon vs. suspicion
The French language, rich in its vocabulary, offers various words for the concept of 'suspicion'. Two such words, 'soupçon' and 'suspicion', are commonly used to express this idea. While they share a similar general meaning, there are nuances in their usage and connotation that are reflected in different contexts.
Soupçon
A 'soupçon' refers to a very slight trace or hint of something, often used metaphorically to indicate a small amount of doubt or suspicion without strong evidence. It is subtler in connotation than 'suspicion'.
J'ai un léger soupçon sur la qualité de ce produit.
(I have a slight suspicion about the quality of this product.)
Il me reste un soupçon de doute quant à ses intentions.
(I still have a faint trace of doubt concerning his intentions.)
Avec juste un soupçon de preuve, ils ne pourront pas prouver sa culpabilité.
(With just a hint of evidence, they won't be able to prove his guilt.)
Suspicion
The word 'suspicion' in French is much stronger and suggests a more concrete sense of mistrust or belief in someone's guilt or wrongdoing, and is closer to the English word 'suspicion'.
La suspicion l'a envahi après avoir vu les images de surveillance.
(Suspicion overwhelmed him after seeing the surveillance footage.)
Cette disparition soudaine a éveillé la suspicion de la police.
(This sudden disappearance aroused the police's suspicion.)
Il y a une suspicion générale que le témoin cache quelque chose.
(There is a general suspicion that the witness is hiding something.)
Summary
While both 'soupçon' and 'suspicion' can be translated as 'suspicion', the former carries a lighter connotation and is often used for slight doubts or inklings, whereas the latter denotes a stronger sense of mistrust often backed by some form of evidence or rationale. Understanding the difference between the two can lead to more accurate expressions of doubt in French conversation and writing.