Translation guide
The quality of not expressing genuine feelings or intentions. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through specific words for flattery, dishonesty, or superficiality, as well as set phrases describing two-faced behavior.
Expressing that someone is being insincere by flattering or saying what others want to hear, not what they truly feel.
Flattery or empty compliments. Often used when someone says nice things without meaning them, just to be polite or gain favor.
That's just flattery.
He's good at flattery.
Polite, conventional phrases said for social form's sake, not from the heart. Common in business or formal settings.
"Let's meet again" was just a social nicety.
Lip service; saying something without sincerity or intention to follow through.
His apology was just lip service.
Describing a person or statement that is not honest or true to their real feelings.
Direct translation for insincerity; lack of sincerity or honesty. Often used in serious contexts like relationships or business.
I was disappointed by his insincere attitude.
Lacking sincerity or good faith. A common, natural way to say someone is not being sincere.
I don't feel any sincerity in his words.
Superficial; only on the surface. Describes actions or words that lack depth or true feeling.
Her kindness is only superficial.
Describing someone who acts differently depending on who they are with, or says one thing and does another.
To be two-faced; to have a hidden side. Very common phrase for insincerity in personal relationships.
He's two-faced, so I can't trust him.
Hypocrisy; pretending to have virtues or beliefs that one does not actually possess. Stronger moral condemnation.
The contrast between one's public stance (tatemae) and true feelings (honne). A cultural concept often discussed in context of Japanese society.
Expressing that a smile, laugh, or other emotional display is not genuine.
A forced or fake smile. Commonly used when someone smiles without feeling happy.
She put on a forced smile.
A polite or ingratiating smile, often used in customer service or to smooth social interactions, not necessarily from genuine feeling.
Putting on a brave front; false cheerfulness. Used when someone acts energetic or cheerful despite feeling down.
While 不誠実 (fuseijitsu) is a direct translation, it can sound stiff or overly formal in casual conversation. In everyday speech, phrases like 誠意がない (seii ga nai) or うわべだけ (uwabe dake) are more natural.
お世辞 (oseji) is flattery, often personal and sometimes obvious. 社交辞令 (shakou jirei) is social etiquette, expected in formal situations, and not necessarily seen as negative. Use お世辞 for empty compliments, 社交辞令 for polite formalities.
Insincere responses damage trust.
His environmental activism is nothing but hypocrisy.
In Japan, people often distinguish between their public facade and true feelings.
The clerk was giving a polite, insincere smile.
彼の空元気が痛々しい。
His forced cheerfulness is painful to watch.