Translation guide
A fallacy is a mistaken belief or a flaw in reasoning. This guide covers how to express the idea of a logical fallacy, a common misconception, or faulty reasoning in Japanese.
To refer to a specific error in logic or argumentation, such as a straw man or slippery slope.
The standard term for a logical fallacy in formal or academic contexts. It refers to an error in reasoning.
その議論には誤謬がある。
There is a fallacy in that argument.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'logical error'. It is slightly less technical than 誤謬 and can be used in everyday discussions about reasoning.
それはよくある論理的誤りだ。
That's a common logical fallacy.
Refers to sophistry or specious reasoning, often with a negative connotation of intentional deception. Not a direct equivalent of 'fallacy' but used for fallacious arguments that are deliberately misleading.
彼の主張は詭弁に過ぎない。
His argument is nothing but sophistry.
To describe a widely held but false belief, not necessarily related to formal logic.
The most common word for 'misunderstanding' or 'misconception'. It can be used for a fallacy in the sense of a mistaken belief.
それはよくある誤解です。
That's a common fallacy.
Refers to a subjective assumption or fixed idea that may be wrong. It implies a personal belief not based on facts.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'wrong idea' or 'mistaken notion'. It is simple and clear for casual contexts.
それは間違った考え方だ。
That's a fallacious way of thinking.
To describe the act of reasoning in a flawed way, or an argument that contains a fallacy.
Means 'faulty inference' or 'incorrect reasoning'. It is a neutral, descriptive term suitable for academic or serious discussion.
その結論は誤った推論に基づいている。
The conclusion is based on fallacious reasoning.
Literally 'wrong logic'. A plain way to say that the logic is flawed.
その主張は間違った論理で成り立っている。
That claim is built on fallacious logic.
誤謬 (gobyū) is a formal term for a logical fallacy, used in academic or technical contexts. 誤解 (gokai) is a common word for misunderstanding or misconception, and can be used for a fallacy in everyday language. Use 誤謬 when discussing formal logic; use 誤解 for general mistaken beliefs.
統計の誤謬を指摘する。
Point out a statistical fallacy.
それは大きな誤解だ。
That's a big fallacy (misunderstanding).
While 誤り (ayamari) means 'error', it is too broad and does not capture the specific nuance of a fallacy in reasoning. Use 誤謬 or 誤解 depending on context.
それは単なる思い込みだ。
That's just a fallacy (a baseless assumption).