Translation guide
In Japanese, 'artificial leather' is most commonly expressed as 合成皮革 (gōsei hikaku) or the loanword フェイクレザー (feiku rezā). The choice depends on context, with 合成皮革 being the standard technical term and フェイクレザー common in fashion and consumer goods.
The most common and neutral way to refer to artificial leather in Japanese, suitable for most contexts.
Standard term for synthetic leather, used in product descriptions, manufacturing, and everyday conversation. Literally 'synthetic leather'.
This bag is made of artificial leather.
Loanword from English 'fake leather'. Very common in fashion, accessories, and casual contexts. Often implies a stylish or trendy imitation.
I bought a fake leather jacket.
Literally 'artificial leather'. Used in technical or industrial contexts, but less common in everyday speech than 合成皮革.
Artificial leather is cheaper than genuine leather.
Abbreviation of 合成皮革. Common in casual conversation and online shopping, but may sound slightly informal.
I'm looking for a synthetic leather sofa.
When you need to specify a particular kind of artificial leather, such as PVC or microfiber-based materials.
Refers to PVC-based artificial leather, often used in upholstery and inexpensive goods. Technical term.
This chair is upholstered in PVC leather.
High-quality artificial leather made from microfiber, often used in premium synthetic leather goods. Sometimes called 'microfiber leather'.
Microfiber leather has a texture close to genuine leather.
合成皮革 is the standard, neutral term used in manufacturing and formal contexts. フェイクレザー is a loanword popular in fashion and consumer goods, often carrying a slightly more stylish or trendy nuance. In casual conversation, both are understood, but 合成皮革 is safer for general use.
The direct translation '人工の革' (jinkō no kawa) is not idiomatic. Use the established terms 合成皮革 or フェイクレザー instead.