Translation guide
An imposter is someone who pretends to be someone else, often to deceive others. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 偽物 (にせもの) for a fake person or thing, but there are several nuanced terms depending on the context, such as impersonation, fraud, or a person who infiltrates a group.
To refer to someone who is not who they claim to be, often in a deceptive way.
The most common and versatile word for a fake or imposter, applicable to both people and objects. It implies something is not genuine.
That person is an imposter.
He was a fake doctor.
Specifically a con artist or swindler, someone who deceives for financial gain. Stronger implication of criminal intent.
He is a famous con artist.
Alternative kanji for 偽物, often used specifically for people. Same reading and similar meaning, but 偽者 emphasizes the person aspect.
To see through an imposter.
To describe someone who pretends to be a particular individual, like a celebrity or an official.
Refers to impersonation, especially online or in identity theft. Can be used as a noun (なりすまし) or verb (なりすます).
Impersonation damage on social media is increasing.
Usually means mimicry or impression for entertainment, not malicious. Can be used for an impersonator in a comedic context.
To refer to someone who secretly joins a group pretending to be a member, often for espionage or sabotage.
An infiltrator, someone who sneaks into an organization or place. Often used in spy or undercover contexts.
We found an enemy infiltrator.
A spy, commonly used in both professional and casual contexts. Implies gathering information secretly.
An archaic term for a spy or secret agent, often used in historical or ninja contexts.
To express the psychological feeling of being a fraud despite evident success or competence.
Direct loanword for 'imposter syndrome'. Widely understood in modern Japanese, especially in psychology and self-help contexts.
She suffers from imposter syndrome.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to feel like a fake'. More natural in conversation than the clinical term.
While インポスター症候群 is understood, in casual conversation it's more natural to describe the feeling with phrases like 自分を偽物だと感じる (to feel like a fake) or 自分の成功を偶然だと思う (to think one's success is a fluke).
偽物 (にせもの) is a general term for something fake, including people. 詐欺師 (さぎし) specifically refers to a swindler or con artist who deceives for money. Use 詐欺師 when financial fraud is involved.
He turned out to be an imposter.
The imposter pretended to be a doctor.
He impersonated a police officer.
彼は大統領の物真似が上手い。
He is good at impersonating the president.
He infiltrated the organization as a spy.
A spy sneaked into the castle.
Even when I succeed, I sometimes feel like an imposter.