Translation guide
Ways to express a reputation that is untrue, mistaken, or undeserved in Japanese.
The general idea that someone or something has a reputation that is not accurate.
A direct and neutral way to say 'false reputation'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼は誤った評判で苦しんでいる。
He is suffering from a false reputation.
Similar to 誤った評判, emphasizing that the reputation is mistaken. Common in everyday speech.
Specifically a negative reputation that is not deserved.
Means 'unjust bad reputation'. Clearly conveys that the negative reputation is undeserved.
彼は不当な悪評に悩まされている。
He is troubled by an undeserved bad reputation.
A positive reputation that is not based on reality.
Both mean 'false reputation', but 誤った is slightly more formal and often used in written language, while 間違った is more common in everyday speech. They are largely interchangeable.
The direct translation '偽の評判' (false reputation) is not natural in Japanese. Use the phrases provided instead.
That shop lost customers due to a false reputation.
Literally 'groundless reputation', emphasizing that the reputation has no basis in fact.
根拠のない評判が広まってしまった。
A groundless reputation has spread.
A literary or formal term for 'false reputation' or 'undeserved fame'. Often used in written language.
彼は虚名を追い求めた。
He pursued a false reputation.
Idiom meaning 'false accusation' or 'unfounded rumor'. Often used when someone is falsely blamed.
それは完全な濡れ衣だ。
That's a complete false accusation.
Literally 'unfounded bad reputation'. Emphasizes that there is no reason for the bad reputation.
いわれのない悪評を流された。
I had an unfounded bad reputation spread about me.
Means 'overestimation' or 'overrating'. Often used when someone's abilities or reputation are exaggerated.
彼の能力は過大評価されている。
His abilities are overestimated (he has a false good reputation).
Literally 'reputation beyond one's actual ability'. A clear way to express a false good reputation.
彼は実力以上の評判を得ている。
He has a reputation that exceeds his actual ability.
As above, can also refer to an undeserved good reputation or fame.
彼の名声は虚名に過ぎない。
His fame is nothing but a false reputation.