Translation guide
How to express 'falsify' in Japanese, covering forgery, tampering, and misrepresentation.
To create a fake version of something official or artistic with intent to deceive.
The standard term for forging documents, currency, or artworks. Implies criminal intent.
He forged a passport.
To falsify by lying about something, such as one's identity or the truth of a matter. Broader than forgery.
He entered the country under a false identity.
Specifically for creating counterfeit art or literary works. '贋作' means a fake or forgery.
He made a forgery of a famous painting.
To change existing information dishonestly, such as in accounts, research, or legal documents.
The primary term for tampering with documents, data, or records. Often used in legal and business contexts.
He falsified the accounts.
To fabricate or make up false information, such as evidence or news. Stronger implication of complete invention.
To manipulate or tamper with something in a dishonest way. Can be used for physical objects or data, but less formal.
It looks like someone tampered with the meter.
To present false information as true, often in speech or reporting.
To distort facts or truth, often in media or arguments. Implies twisting the meaning.
He distorted the facts.
To convey something falsely. A more general phrase combining '偽る' (to falsify) and '伝える' (to convey).
The media conveyed false information.
To make a false declaration or statement, often in official contexts like tax returns.
偽造 (ぎぞう) is for creating a fake from scratch (forgery). 改ざん (かいざん) is for altering existing genuine items (tampering). 捏造 (ねつぞう) is for fabricating entirely false information or stories.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all meanings of 'falsify'. Choose the term based on whether you mean forge, tamper with, or misrepresent. Using the wrong one can change the meaning significantly.
The police were accused of fabricating evidence.
He made a false declaration at customs.