Translation guide
The English word "cheating" covers a wide range of dishonest or unfair behaviors. This guide breaks it down into practical meanings: infidelity, academic dishonesty, breaking rules in games/sports, and general deception. For each, natural Japanese expressions are provided, with notes on formality and usage.
To be unfaithful to a romantic partner
The most common and general term for cheating in a romantic relationship. It implies a casual or temporary affair, not necessarily a deep emotional bond.
彼氏が浮気をしているみたい。
I think my boyfriend is cheating on me.
I will never forgive cheating.
Refers specifically to an extramarital affair. It carries a heavier, more serious tone and is often used in legal or social contexts.
不倫が原因で離婚した。
They got divorced because of an affair.
Literally 'two thighs', meaning dating two people at the same time without their knowledge. Often used in casual conversation.
彼に二股かけられてた。
He was two-timing me.
The person one is cheating with; 'the other woman/man'.
浮気相手は職場の人らしい。
Apparently the person he's cheating with is a coworker.
To act dishonestly in school, such as copying answers or plagiarizing
The standard term for cheating on an exam. Derived from 'cunning', but used specifically for test cheating.
試験中にカンニングが見つかって、答案が無効になった。
He was caught cheating during the exam and his paper was invalidated.
カンニングペーパーを隠し持っていた。
He had a cheat sheet hidden on him.
A formal term for dishonest or fraudulent acts, including academic cheating. Often used in official rules.
Slang abbreviation of カンニングペーパー. Very casual, used among students.
カンペ見てるのバレた。
I got caught looking at my cheat sheet.
To act unfairly in a game, sport, or competition
A very common, casual term for cheating or acting slyly to gain an advantage. Used in games, everyday situations, and by children.
またズルしたでしょ！
You cheated again, didn't you!
ゲームでズルをするのはやめて。
Stop cheating in the game.
To commit a foul or violate the rules, especially in sports. More formal than ズル.
彼はわざと反則をした。
He deliberately committed a foul.
Refers to cheating in gambling or card games, often involving trickery or deception.
イカサマで大金を巻き上げた。
He swindled a large sum of money by cheating.
Borrowed from English 'cheat', used in video game contexts for using cheat codes or hacks.
To act dishonestly for personal gain, such as in business or finances
To deceive, trick, or cheat someone. A general verb for dishonest acts.
彼は人を騙してお金を取った。
He cheated people out of their money.
騙されやすい人は気をつけて。
People who are easily cheated should be careful.
To commit an injustice or dishonest act, often in business, accounting, or official procedures.
会社で不正をしていたことが発覚した。
It was discovered that he had been cheating (committing fraud) at the company.
To cheat by covering up, distorting, or fudging something, like expenses or numbers.
浮気 (uwaki) is a general term for cheating in a relationship, often implying a fling or casual affair. 不倫 (furin) specifically means adultery and is used for married people. 浮気 can be used even if the couple is not married, while 不倫 always involves a married person.
カンニング (kanningu) only means cheating on a test. Using it for romantic infidelity will cause confusion. Stick to 浮気 or 不倫 for relationships.
In casual speech, ズル (zuru) and 浮気 (uwaki) are common. In formal or written contexts, use 不正 (fusei) or 不倫 (furin). For games, ズル is fine among friends, but 反則 (hansoku) is better in official settings.
試験での不正行為は停学処分になる。
Cheating on exams will result in suspension.
That player is using cheats.
経費をごまかして申告した。
He cheated on his expense report.