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.
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.
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.
He was two-timing me.
The person one is cheating with; 'the other woman/man'.
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.
He was caught cheating during the exam and his paper was invalidated.
He had a cheat sheet hidden on him.
Slang abbreviation of カンニングペーパー. Very casual, used among students.
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.
You cheated again, didn't you!
Stop cheating in the game.
To commit a foul or violate the rules, especially in sports. More formal than ズル.
He deliberately committed a foul.
Refers to cheating in gambling or card games, often involving trickery or deception.
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.
He cheated people out of their money.
To commit an injustice or dishonest act, often in business, accounting, or official procedures.
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.
Cheating on exams will result in suspension.
That player is using cheats.
People who are easily cheated should be careful.
It was discovered that he had been cheating (committing fraud) at the company.
経費をごまかして申告した。
He cheated on his expense report.