Translation guide
Describes words or actions that are not genuine, often used to flatter, deceive, or avoid conflict. Japanese has many nuanced expressions for insincerity, from obvious flattery to polite social lies.
To describe compliments or praise that are not truly meant, often to gain favor.
Flattery or empty compliment. Often used in the phrase お世辞を言う (to flatter).
それはお世辞ですよ。
That's just flattery.
He's good at flattery.
Literally 'only the tip of the tongue,' meaning insincere words, lip service.
His apology was just lip service.
Sycophantic flattery, often used in a negative sense.
He's buttering up the boss.
To describe a person or statement that is not sincere, often hiding true feelings.
Direct translation for 'insincere,' meaning lacking sincerity. Can describe a person or action.
His attitude is insincere.
Literally 'not one's true feelings.' Used when someone says something they don't mean.
Superficial, only on the surface. Describes insincere words or behavior.
Her kindness is only superficial.
To describe insincere statements used to maintain harmony or avoid hurting feelings.
Polite formulaic expressions said for social reasons, not necessarily meant literally. Common in Japanese culture.
'Let's meet again' was just a polite phrase.
Public facade or official stance, contrasted with 本音 (true feelings). Often used in discussions of Japanese communication.
Insincere flattery or polite words, often used in service contexts.
To describe someone who says one thing but does another, or acts differently in different situations.
Hypocritical. Describes someone who pretends to have virtues they don't possess.
I was angered by his hypocritical attitude.
To be two-faced; to have a hidden side. Literally 'has front and back.'
He is a two-faced person.
Idiom meaning to feign innocence or hide one's true nature, like a cat pretending to be tame.
不誠実 (insincere) is a broader term for lacking sincerity, while 偽善的 (hypocritical) specifically implies pretending to have moral standards or beliefs one does not actually hold.
While 不誠実 is the direct translation, it can sound formal or harsh. In casual conversation, phrases like 本心ではない or 口先だけ are often more natural.
建前 is not necessarily negative; it's a social lubricant. Understanding the difference between 建前 and 本音 is key to navigating Japanese communication.
It was an insincere response.
I don't think his words are sincere.
日本人は建前と本音を使い分ける。
Japanese people distinguish between public facade and true feelings.
I got tired of the clerk's insincere politeness.
彼女は上司の前で猫をかぶっている。
She acts all innocent in front of the boss.