Translation guide
Describes something that is invented or imaginary, not real. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 架空の (kakuu no), used for fictional characters, places, and stories. Other options include 虚構の (kyokou no) for literary or philosophical contexts, and 作り話の (tsukuribanashi no) for made-up stories.
To describe something that does not exist in reality, such as a character, place, or event.
The most common and versatile way to say 'fictional'. It directly modifies nouns and is used for characters, settings, organizations, etc.
彼は架空の人物です。
He is a fictional character.
The story is based on fictional events.
More literary or philosophical, emphasizing artificial construction. Often used in discussions of fiction as a genre or concept.
この小説は虚構の世界を描いている。
This novel depicts a fictional world.
Literally 'made-up story', used for something fabricated or not true, often with a nuance of deception or tall tale.
それはただの作り話だよ。
That's just a fictional story.
Loanword from English, used in contexts like 'fiction writer' or 'fiction genre', but less common as a direct adjective.
彼はフィクションの作家です。
He is a fiction writer.
To emphasize that something is made up, false, or a lie, rather than just imaginary.
Directly means 'false' or 'lie'. Use when the fictional nature implies untruthfulness.
彼の話は嘘だった。
His story was fictional (a lie).
Means 'fabricated' or 'trumped-up', often used for accusations or stories created to deceive.
それはでっち上げの話だ。
That's a fictional (fabricated) story.
架空 (kakuu) is the everyday word for 'fictional', used for characters, places, etc. 虚構 (kyokou) is more abstract and literary, often used in critical or philosophical contexts about the nature of fiction.
While フィクション (fiction) is understood, using it as an adjective (フィクションの) can sound unnatural. Stick to 架空の for most cases.