Translation guide
An English idiom for insincere or fake sadness. In Japanese, the most direct equivalent is 嘘泣き (usonaki), but there are also other expressions and phrases that convey the same idea.
Expressing that someone is pretending to cry or showing false sadness, often to manipulate or deceive.
The most direct and common translation for 'crocodile tears'. It literally means 'fake crying' and is used when someone pretends to cry.
Describing a situation where someone shows sadness or remorse that is not genuine, not necessarily involving actual tears.
In Japanese culture, open displays of emotion, including crying, are often more restrained in public. Accusing someone of 'crocodile tears' can be quite strong, so use these expressions carefully depending on the context and relationship.
嘘泣き is the everyday word for fake crying, often used for children or obvious pretense. 空涙 is more literary and can imply a deeper emotional emptiness or hollowness behind the tears.
彼女の涙は嘘泣きだった。
Her tears were crocodile tears.
The child shed crocodile tears to get the toy.
A more literary or formal term for fake tears. It can also mean crying without real emotion.
His apology was nothing but crocodile tears.
Literally 'cat's tears', an idiomatic expression for a very small amount of tears, often implying insincerity or a token display of emotion. It can be used similarly to 'crocodile tears' but emphasizes the scantiness of the tears.
He didn't show even a hint of crocodile tears.
An adjective meaning 'transparently false' or 'obviously insincere'. It can describe crocodile tears when the insincerity is blatant.
I'm fed up with his crocodile tears apology.
Literally 'a transparent lie', used when someone's false emotion or excuse is easily seen through. It can apply to crocodile tears when the pretense is obvious.
Her sadness was just crocodile tears.
Instead of a set phrase, you can simply say something like 'that's not real sadness' or 'they're just pretending to be sad'.
Those tears aren't real.
They're just pretending to be sad.