Translation guide
The English verb 'deceive' covers a range of situations from outright lying to misleading or tricking someone. In Japanese, the best word depends on the method and intent: whether it's a simple lie, a scam, cheating, or a more subtle misdirection. This guide organizes the most common and natural Japanese expressions by the type of deception.
To say something untrue with the intent to mislead someone.
The most general and common word for 'deceive'. It covers lying, tricking, and cheating. Can be used in many contexts.
He deceived me.
Please don't be easily deceived.
Literally 'to tell a lie'. More specific than 騙す, focusing on the act of lying rather than the broader act of deceiving.
He lied to me.
To falsify or misrepresent something, often used in formal or written contexts. Implies a deliberate distortion of facts.
He entered the country under a false identity.
To deceive someone in order to gain money, property, or an advantage, often through a scheme.
Again the most common word. When used in contexts of fraud or scams, it implies tricking someone for gain.
The con artist deceived the elderly person and took their money.
To defraud or swindle. More specific to criminal deception for financial gain.
To swindle or hoodwink. A bit old-fashioned or colloquial, often used for clever tricks.
I was hoodwinked by that salesman.
To be unfaithful in a romantic relationship.
The standard term for cheating in a relationship. Implies a breach of trust, but not necessarily a long-term affair.
It seems my boyfriend is cheating on me.
Specifically refers to an extramarital affair. More serious and often carries a stronger social stigma.
He had an affair and got divorced.
To cause someone to believe something that is not true, without necessarily telling a direct lie.
To cause a misunderstanding. Often used when someone is misled by ambiguous words or actions.
His words misled me.
To confuse, bewilder, or lead astray. Often used for deceptive appearances or distractions.
A literary or formal word for 'deceive'. Often implies a clever or artful deception.
To refuse to accept the truth about something.
騙す (damasu) is broader and includes any act of deception, while 嘘をつく (uso o tsuku) specifically means telling a lie. You can 騙す someone without saying a word, but 嘘をつく always involves a false statement.
He deceived me by lying.
While 騙す is the most common equivalent, it can sound too strong or direct in some situations. For milder cases of misleading, consider 誤解させる (gokai saseru) or 惑わす (madowasu).
He defrauded many people in an investment scam.
甘い言葉に惑わされてはいけない。
Don't be deceived by sweet words.
彼は巧みに敵を欺いた。
He skillfully deceived the enemy.
She is still deceiving herself that he will come back.