Translation guide
The quality of being real, genuine, or true to oneself. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether you're talking about objects, documents, personal character, or cultural experiences.
Describing something as not fake, counterfeit, or forged.
The most common word for something genuine, real, or authentic. Used for objects, art, documents, etc.
Is this painting authentic?
His signature is authentic.
Formal term for authenticity, often used in legal, technical, or official contexts.
Certify the authenticity of this document.
Refers to the distinction between genuine and fake, often used in art appraisal or antiques.
You need an eye to discern authenticity.
Describing a person who is true to themselves, honest, and not pretending.
Sincerity, faithfulness, honesty. Often used to describe a person's character or attitude.
He is a sincere person.
One's true feelings or real intention, as opposed to a facade. Often contrasted with 建前 (tatemae).
Being true to oneself; living authentically without pretense.
I want to live authentically.
Pure, genuine, unadulterated. Can describe a person's heart or motives, but also objects.
Describing an experience, tradition, or cultural product as being true to its origins, not commercialized or watered down.
Literally 'of the true place', meaning authentic, genuine, from the original source. Often used for cuisine, arts, etc.
I want to eat authentic Italian food.
I saw authentic flamenco.
Orthodox, legitimate, authentic in the sense of following established tradition.
Loanword from English, used in marketing or trendy contexts to emphasize authenticity, especially in food or fashion.
Describing a work of art, performance, or expression as being original, not copied, and true to the creator's vision.
本物 is the everyday word for 'real thing'. 真正 is formal and often used in certificates or legal contexts. 真贋 is specifically about distinguishing real from fake, and is rarely used outside of appraisal or art contexts.
While 本物 can sometimes describe a person's skill (e.g., 本物のプロ), it is not used to mean 'sincere' or 'true to oneself'. For personal authenticity, use 誠実 or 自分に正直.
Authenticity is more important than anything.
I want to hear his true feelings.
Let's speak honestly.
彼の純粋な気持ちに感動した。
I was moved by his genuine feelings.
正統な茶道を学ぶ。
Learn authentic tea ceremony.
This restaurant serves authentic Thai food.
His performance was deeply authentic.