Translation guide
A counterfeit note is a fake banknote intended to deceive. In Japanese, the most common term is 偽札 (にせさつ), but other expressions exist for different contexts.
The most common way to refer to a counterfeit note in everyday or news contexts.
Standard term for counterfeit paper money. Used in news, police reports, and daily conversation.
A counterfeit note was found at the ATM.
A man who used counterfeit notes was arrested.
More formal/literary term for counterfeit banknotes. Often used in legal or official contexts.
Manufacturing counterfeit notes is a serious crime.
Older or more literary term for counterfeit note. Rarely used in modern speech.
There's a rumor that counterfeit notes are circulating.
When referring specifically to counterfeit coins, a different term is used.
Counterfeit coin. Use this when the fake currency is a coin, not a banknote.
This 500-yen coin might be a counterfeit.
When you want to refer to counterfeit currency without specifying notes or coins.
偽物 means 'fake' or 'imitation' in general (e.g., fake brand goods). For counterfeit money, use 偽札 or 偽造紙幣.
This bag is a fake.
Measures to prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency are necessary.