Translation guide
The act of making someone believe something that is not true, often to gain an advantage or avoid trouble. This guide covers common Japanese words and phrases for lying, tricking, cheating, and misleading, organized by the intent and context of the deception.
To say something false, usually to hide the truth or avoid consequences.
The most common and general word for a lie or falsehood. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
彼は嘘をついた。
He told a lie.
That's a lie.
A more formal or literary term for falsehood or fabrication. Often used in written language or serious contexts.
His words were falsehoods.
A formal, somewhat archaic term for a lie or false statement. Rare in everyday speech.
To tell lies.
To deceive someone for personal gain, especially financially or in games.
Fraud, scam, or swindle. Used for criminal deception, such as financial scams or identity theft.
He was arrested for fraud.
That's a scam.
To trick or deceive someone. Often used for personal betrayals or minor tricks, but can also cover serious fraud.
A swindle or con game. Slightly dated slang, often used in the phrase ペテン師 (con artist).
To hide the true nature of something by making it look like something else.
Disguise or camouflage, often used for physical objects, identities, or situations. Common in news about cover-ups.
Camouflage, borrowed from English. Used in military contexts or metaphorically for hiding intentions.
Military camouflage pattern. Technical term, not used for abstract deception.
To cause someone to have a wrong idea or belief, often by omission or subtle manipulation.
To deceive or betray, often implying a breach of trust. Stronger and more formal than 騙す.
To deceive, mislead, or cover up, often by distracting or evading. Commonly used for fudging numbers, dodging questions, or hiding mistakes.
Deception, deceit, or hypocrisy. Often used in philosophical or critical contexts to describe systemic dishonesty.
To deceive oneself, often by rationalizing or ignoring the truth.
騙す (damasu) is the common word for tricking or deceiving someone, often in everyday situations. 欺く (azamuku) is more formal and implies a deeper betrayal or breach of trust. Use 騙す for most cases; use 欺く in writing or when emphasizing the moral weight of the deception.
The English noun 'deception' does not have a single perfect equivalent in Japanese. Depending on context, you may need to use 嘘 (lie), 詐欺 (fraud), 欺瞞 (deceit), or a verb like 騙す. Avoid directly translating 'deception' as 欺き (azamuki) in most cases, as it is uncommon.
彼に騙された。
I was tricked by him.
You must not deceive people.
He's a con artist.
He camouflaged his feelings.
迷彩服を着る。
Wear camouflage clothing.
He dodged the question.
To cook the books.
That is deception.
自己欺瞞に陥る。
To fall into self-deception.