Translation guide
Describes someone who copies another person's actions, speech, or style, often for humor, learning, or deception. Japanese has distinct words for different kinds of imitation, from playful mimicry to serious impersonation.
To copy someone's voice, mannerisms, or actions in a lighthearted or comedic way.
The most common word for mimicry, especially impersonating voices or mannerisms for entertainment. Can refer to the act or the person doing it.
He is good at mimicry.
That comedian is famous for his impersonations of politicians.
Specifically refers to a professional impersonator or mimic, often a performer.
He works as a professional impersonator.
General word for copying or imitating, often used in the phrase 真似をする (to imitate). Can be playful or neutral.
The children are playing by imitating the teacher.
To describe a person who imitates someone else's artistic style, ideas, or behavior, often with a negative connotation of lacking originality.
A formal word for an imitator, often used in artistic or intellectual contexts. Implies copying without originality.
He is just an imitator, lacking originality.
Refers to a follower or imitator of a particular school or style, often with a nuance of being second-rate or derivative.
A loanword from English, used colloquially to describe someone who copies others, often in fashion or behavior. Slightly childish or informal.
To pretend to be someone else, often for illegal or dishonest purposes.
Refers to online or phone impersonation, identity theft, or pretending to be someone else to deceive. Commonly used in the context of fraud.
Incidents of impersonating celebrities on social media are increasing.
Means 'fake' or 'impostor', referring to a person who pretends to be someone they are not, often for criminal purposes.
To repeat someone's words or sounds without understanding, often in a mocking or mindless way.
Literally 'parrot-like repetition', used to describe mindlessly echoing someone's words. Often used in the phrase 鸚鵡返しに言う.
He just parroted back what I said.
物真似 (ものまね) is used for playful mimicry, especially of voices or mannerisms, often as entertainment. 模倣 (もほう) is a broader, more formal term for imitation in art, behavior, or ideas, and can carry a negative nuance of lacking originality.
His mimicry always gets a laugh.
The painter was criticized for imitating Picasso.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'imitator'. Using a direct translation like 模倣者 (もほうしゃ) in casual conversation may sound overly formal or unnatural. Choose the word based on the specific type of imitation.
He's just an imitator. (sounds stiff in casual speech)
His work is merely an imitation of the master.
She's such a copycat, always imitating my clothes.
警察は偽者の医者を逮捕した。
The police arrested a fake doctor.