Translation guide
How to talk about knockoffs, imitations, and counterfeit goods in Japanese.
Referring to an illegal copy of a branded product, often sold as if it were real.
General term for a fake or counterfeit item. Can be used for anything from handbags to money.
Describing something that is a lower-quality copy or imitation of a well-known product, not necessarily illegal.
Referring to a product that is similar to a branded one but sold under a different, usually unknown, name.
Literally 'no-brand product'. Common term for generic or unbranded items.
偽物 implies intent to deceive. For a legal imitation or generic version, use 模造品 or ノーブランド品 instead.
このバッグは偽物だ。
This bag is a fake.
I was tricked into buying a counterfeit.
Literally 'copy product'. Often used for counterfeit luxury goods, DVDs, etc.
Selling counterfeit goods is illegal.
Slang for a knockoff or fake, often used in casual conversation. Can sound a bit rough.
Isn't that a knockoff?
Imitation or replica, often used for items that mimic a design but may not be sold as the real thing.
This watch is an imitation.
Loanword from English. Often used for fashion accessories or jewelry that imitate the real thing.
An imitation pearl necklace.
Something that is a sham or spurious imitation. Slightly literary or old-fashioned.
That's not the real thing; it's a sham.
It's a no-brand product, but the quality isn't bad.
Used mainly for generic drugs, but can extend to other generic products.
Generic products are cheaper.
This is not a counterfeit; it's a legal imitation.