Translation guide
Ways to express a reputation that is untrue, mistaken, or undeserved in Japanese.
He is suffering from a false reputation.
Similar to 誤った評判, emphasizing that the reputation is mistaken. Common in everyday speech.
That shop lost customers due to a false reputation.
Literally 'groundless reputation', emphasizing that the reputation has no basis in fact.
A groundless reputation has spread.
A literary or formal term for 'false reputation' or 'undeserved fame'. Often used in written language.
He pursued a false reputation.
Specifically a negative reputation that is not deserved.
Means 'unjust bad reputation'. Clearly conveys that the negative reputation is undeserved.
He is troubled by an undeserved bad reputation.
Idiom meaning 'false accusation' or 'unfounded rumor'. Often used when someone is falsely blamed.
Literally 'unfounded bad reputation'. Emphasizes that there is no reason for the bad reputation.
A positive reputation that is not based on reality.
Means 'overestimation' or 'overrating'. Often used when someone's abilities or reputation are exaggerated.
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.
As above, can also refer to an undeserved good reputation or fame.
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.
それは完全な濡れ衣だ。
That's a complete false accusation.
I had an unfounded bad reputation spread about me.
He has a reputation that exceeds his actual ability.
His fame is nothing but a false reputation.