Translation guide
The act of creating a fake document, artwork, signature, etc., or the fake item itself. Japanese distinguishes between the crime, the fake object, and the act of counterfeiting.
Referring to the illegal act of forging documents, signatures, or official seals.
The most common term for the crime of forgery, especially for documents, currency, and official items.
He was arrested for passport forgery.
Specifically the crime of forgery, used in legal contexts.
He was indicted for forgery.
Referring to the fake item itself, such as a forged painting or document.
General term for a fake or counterfeit item. Can be used for forgeries of art, documents, etc.
This painting turned out to be a forgery.
Specifically a forged artwork or literary work. Often used in art and antique contexts.
A forged or counterfeit product, often used for documents, currency, or branded goods.
Specifically faking someone's signature.
Specifically making fake money.
偽造 (ぎぞう) refers to the act or crime of forging, especially official documents and currency. 偽物 (にせもの) is a general term for any fake or counterfeit item. 贋作 (がんさく) is specifically for forged art or literary works.
For counterfeit luxury goods (bags, watches, etc.), use 偽ブランド品 (にせブランドひん) or コピー品 (コピーひん), not 偽造.
その彫刻は贋作だった。
The sculpture was a forgery.
偽造品のパスポートが見つかった。
A forged passport was found.