Translation guide
The English word 'fiction' broadly refers to imaginative storytelling, but Japanese distinguishes between literary genres, media formats, and the abstract concept of something made up. This guide helps learners choose the right word depending on whether they mean novels, movies, lies, or the general category of fictional works.
Referring to fiction as a category of writing, often contrasted with non-fiction.
The loanword is standard for the genre, especially in publishing and media contexts.
彼はフィクションばかり読む。
He only reads fiction.
While it literally means 'novel,' it is often used to refer to fictional prose in general.
Talking about a specific book, story, or narrative that is invented.
Saying that something is made up, not true, or a lie.
Referring to fictional movies, dramas, or other non-literary media.
Referring to the genre of science fiction or speculative fiction.
The standard abbreviation for science fiction. Pronounced as letters.
彼はSFが好きだ。
He likes science fiction.
小説 (shousetsu) specifically means a novel or prose fiction. 物語 (monogatari) is a broader term for any tale, including folklore and oral stories. フィクション (fikushon) is the genre label and can apply to any medium. Use 小説 for books, 物語 for stories in general, and フィクション when contrasting with non-fiction.
これは実話ではなく、フィクションです。
This is not a true story; it's fiction.
虚構 (kyokou) is a formal, abstract term. Using it in everyday conversation to mean 'fiction' can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Stick to 作り話 or 嘘 for lies, and フィクション or 小説 for the genre.
彼の言ったことは全部作り話だよ。
Everything he said was fiction.
この小説はフィクションです。
This novel is a work of fiction.
The default word for a novel or fictional story.
この小説はとても面白い。
This novel is very interesting.
A broader term for 'tale' or 'story,' often with a traditional or narrative feel.
それは悲しい物語だ。
That's a sad story.
Refers to a creative work or original story, often used in literary or artistic contexts.
これは彼の創作です。
This is his original fictional work.
Directly means 'made-up story' and is used when accusing something of being false.
それは全部作り話だ。
That's all fiction.
Means 'lie.' Use when the English 'fiction' implies deliberate falsehood.
彼の話は嘘だった。
His story was fiction.
A formal word for 'fabrication' or 'fiction' in the sense of something not real. Often used in philosophical or critical contexts.
それは虚構に過ぎない。
That is nothing but fiction.
Used for fictional works in any medium, often contrasted with documentaries.
この映画はフィクションです。
This movie is fiction.
Specifically for fictional TV dramas, emphasizing original creation.
それは創作ドラマです。
That's a fictional drama.
The full loanword, less common but understood.
それは古典的なサイエンスフィクションだ。
That's classic science fiction.