Translation guide
Describes materials made to look and feel like real leather but are synthetic or from lower-cost alternatives. Common in fashion, upholstery, and accessories.
The most common, neutral way to refer to imitation leather as a material.
Standard term for synthetic leather. Used in product descriptions and everyday conversation.
This bag is made of imitation leather.
Abbreviation of 合成皮革. Very common in casual speech and shopping contexts.
I bought an imitation leather jacket.
Literally 'artificial leather'. Slightly more formal or technical than 合成皮革.
This sofa uses artificial leather.
Loanword from English 'fake leather'. Common in fashion and casual contexts.
Fake leather skirts are in fashion.
When you need to specify a particular kind of synthetic leather, often for quality or manufacturing details.
Polyurethane leather. Very common in affordable fashion items.
This wallet is made of PU leather.
Polyvinyl chloride leather. Often used in cheaper goods or upholstery.
PVC leather is water-resistant.
Microfiber leather, a high-quality synthetic often used in premium imitation leather goods.
Microfiber leather has a texture close to real leather.
How to say that an item is made of imitation leather, often in contrast to real leather.
Casual way to state something is imitation leather.
These shoes are imitation leather.
Formal way to clarify that something is not real leather but synthetic.
Used in industrial or commercial contexts when discussing materials.
Synthetic leather material, often used in B2B or product development.
We developed a new imitation leather material.
合成皮革 is the full formal term. 合皮 is the everyday abbreviation. フェイクレザー is a trendy loanword often used in fashion. All refer to the same concept but differ in register.
Do not translate 'imitation leather' directly as 模造革 (もぞうがわ) or 偽革 (にせがわ). These can sound negative or imply counterfeit goods. Stick to 合成皮革 or 合皮 for neutral descriptions.
This product is not real leather; it is imitation leather.