Translation guide
The English word "falsehood" refers to a statement that is not true, or the quality of being untrue. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you mean a lie, an incorrect statement, or the abstract concept of falseness. This guide covers common words and phrases for each nuance.
To refer to a deliberate or unintentional false statement.
The most common and general word for a lie or falsehood. Can be used in casual and formal contexts.
それは嘘です。
That's a lie.
He told a lie.
A formal term for falsehood or fabrication, often used in legal or official contexts.
False declarations are punishable.
A slightly literary or formal word for falsehood or deception. Emphasizes the act of falsifying.
There was falsehood in his words.
Refers to nonsense, random falsehoods, or talking rubbish. Very casual.
Don't talk nonsense.
To refer to the abstract concept of falseness or untruth.
Used for the abstract quality of being false, especially in formal or philosophical contexts.
The falsehood of that information became clear.
Means fake, counterfeit, or false. Often used as a prefix (偽の, 偽情報).
A rare, literary term for falsehood or delusion, often in Buddhist or philosophical contexts.
To refer to a statement that is factually wrong, without implying intent to deceive.
嘘 (うそ) is the everyday word for a lie, while 虚偽 (きょぎ) is formal and often used in legal or official contexts. 虚偽 can also refer to the abstract quality of falsehood.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'falsehood'. Choose the word based on whether you mean a lie, an error, or the abstract concept.
That is false information.
a world of falsehood
それは間違いです。
That is a mistake.