Translation guide
The concept of dishonesty in Japanese is expressed through various words and phrases that emphasize different aspects: lack of sincerity, deception, fraud, or untrustworthiness. The most common and versatile term is 不誠実 (fuseijitsu), but other options like 嘘 (uso, lie) or 詐欺 (sagi, fraud) are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right expression for the intended meaning.
To describe a person, action, or attitude that is not honest or sincere, often in personal or professional relationships.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'dishonesty' or 'insincerity'. It is the most direct equivalent and can be used in formal and everyday contexts to describe a lack of honesty in character or behavior.
彼の不誠実な態度に失望した。
I was disappointed by his dishonest attitude.
ビジネスでは不誠実は許されない。
Dishonesty is not tolerated in business.
Means 'lie' or 'falsehood'. While it specifically refers to telling lies, it is often used in contexts where dishonesty involves deception through words. It is very common in everyday speech.
嘘をつくのはよくない。
Telling lies is not good.
彼の話は嘘だらけだ。
His story is full of lies.
Means 'injustice', 'unfairness', or 'dishonesty' in the sense of wrongdoing or corrupt practices. Often used in legal, business, or official contexts.
会社の不正が明るみに出た。
The company's dishonesty came to light.
彼は不正な手段で金を得た。
He obtained money through dishonest means.
Literally 'dishonest' (not honest). It is less common than 不誠実 and can sound a bit direct or blunt. Used to describe a person's character.
不正直な人間は信用できない。
A dishonest person cannot be trusted.
To refer to acts of deception, fraud, or swindling, often with legal implications.
Means 'fraud' or 'swindle'. It is the standard term for criminal deception for financial gain. Used in legal contexts and news reports.
彼は詐欺の罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested on fraud charges.
その投資話は詐欺だった。
That investment scheme was a fraud.
A formal term meaning 'deception' or 'deceit'. It emphasizes the act of misleading others, often in a calculated way. Used in writing or serious discussions.
A colloquial term for 'swindle' or 'trickery'. It has a slightly old-fashioned or dramatic feel, often used in fiction or casual speech.
あのセールスマンはペテン師だ。
That salesman is a swindler.
To describe a person or thing that cannot be trusted, often in terms of character or consistency.
A phrase meaning 'cannot be trusted' or 'unreliable'. It is a natural way to express that someone or something lacks honesty or integrity.
彼は信用できない人間だ。
He is an untrustworthy person.
その情報は信用できない。
That information is unreliable.
To refer to dishonest acts like cheating on exams or plagiarizing work.
Means 'dishonest act' or 'misconduct', commonly used for cheating in exams, plagiarism, or other academic dishonesty.
試験での不正行為は厳しく罰せられる。
Dishonest acts during exams are severely punished.
彼は不正行為で退学になった。
He was expelled for academic dishonesty.
From 'cunning', means 'cheating' specifically in exams. Very common in school contexts.
不誠実 (fuseijitsu) refers to a general lack of honesty or sincerity, often as a character trait. 嘘 (uso) specifically means a lie or false statement. Use 不誠実 for describing dishonest behavior or attitudes, and 嘘 when referring to an actual lie.
The English word 'dishonesty' covers a wide range of meanings. Directly translating it as 不正直 (fushōjiki) in every context can sound unnatural. Choose the term that best fits the specific type of dishonesty (e.g., fraud, lying, cheating).
不誠実は評判を落とす。
Dishonesty will ruin your reputation.
その会社は大きな詐欺事件に関わっていた。
The company was involved in a major fraud case.
彼の不誠実さには我慢できない。
I can't stand his dishonesty.
His words were full of deceit.
An adjective meaning 'suspicious' or 'shady'. It implies that something or someone seems dishonest or not trustworthy, often based on intuition.
あの店は胡散臭い。
That shop looks shady.
彼の言い訳は胡散臭い。
His excuse sounds fishy.
He was caught cheating and got a zero.