Translation guide
The English phrase "false charge" can refer to a criminal accusation that is untrue, an incorrect billing, or a baseless claim. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to an untrue criminal accusation or charge against someone.
The standard term for a false criminal charge or wrongful conviction. It implies that someone is accused of a crime they did not commit.
彼は冤罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested on a false charge.
冤罪を晴らすために戦う。
Fight to clear a false charge.
Literally "crime of innocence," meaning a charge against an innocent person. Often used in emotional or dramatic contexts.
無実の罪で刑務所に入れられた。
He was put in prison on a false charge.
A traditional term for a false accusation or being framed. It carries a nuance of being completely innocent but blamed.
それは濡れ衣だ！
That's a false charge!
A fabricated charge, emphasizing that it was deliberately made up.
警察のでっち上げの罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested on a trumped-up charge by the police.
To refer to a charge on a bill or account that is wrong or not owed.
A general term for an erroneous charge on a bill or invoice.
クレジットカードに誤った請求があった。
There was a false charge on my credit card.
Fraudulent or unauthorized billing, often used in contexts of scams or unauthorized transactions.
不正請求に注意してください。
Please be careful of false charges.
A charge that one has no recollection of authorizing; literally "a bill with no memory." Commonly used by consumers disputing charges.
身に覚えのない請求がカードにありました。
There's a false charge on my card that I don't recognize.
To refer to an accusation or statement that is not true, not necessarily criminal.
A formal term for a false allegation or claim, often used in legal or official contexts.
彼は虚偽の申し立てをした。
He made a false charge.
An unfounded accusation or criticism, emphasizing lack of evidence.
それは根拠のない非難だ。
That's a false charge.
Do not translate "false charge" literally as 偽の請求 (false billing) or 偽の罪 (false crime) in most contexts. These sound unnatural. Use the expressions above depending on the situation.
冤罪 is the standard legal term for a false criminal charge or wrongful conviction. 濡れ衣 is more colloquial and dramatic, often used when someone feels they have been unfairly blamed or framed.