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.
I was disappointed by his dishonest attitude.
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.
Means 'injustice', 'unfairness', or 'dishonesty' in the sense of wrongdoing or corrupt practices. Often used in legal, business, or official contexts.
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.
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.
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.
To refer to dishonest acts like cheating on exams or plagiarizing work.
Dishonesty will ruin your reputation.
Dishonesty is not tolerated in business.
Telling lies is not good.
His story is full of lies.
The company's dishonesty came to light.
He obtained money through dishonest means.
不正直な人間は信用できない。
A dishonest person cannot be trusted.
彼は詐欺の罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested on fraud charges.
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.
His words were full of deceit.
A colloquial term for 'swindle' or 'trickery'. It has a slightly old-fashioned or dramatic feel, often used in fiction or casual speech.
That salesman is a swindler.
He is an untrustworthy person.
That information is unreliable.
An adjective meaning 'suspicious' or 'shady'. It implies that something or someone seems dishonest or not trustworthy, often based on intuition.
That shop looks shady.
Means 'dishonest act' or 'misconduct', commonly used for cheating in exams, plagiarism, or other academic dishonesty.
Dishonest acts during exams are severely punished.
He was expelled for academic dishonesty.
From 'cunning', means 'cheating' specifically in exams. Very common in school contexts.
He was caught cheating and got a zero.
false information
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).
The company was involved in a major fraud case.
I can't stand his dishonesty.
His excuse sounds fishy.