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.
このバッグは偽物だ。
This bag is a fake.
偽物をつかまされた。
I was tricked into buying a counterfeit.
Literally 'copy product'. Often used for counterfeit luxury goods, DVDs, etc.
コピー商品の販売は違法です。
Selling counterfeit goods is illegal.
Slang for a knockoff or fake, often used in casual conversation. Can sound a bit rough.
それ、パチモンじゃない？
Isn't that a knockoff?
Describing something that is a lower-quality copy or imitation of a well-known product, not necessarily illegal.
Imitation or replica, often used for items that mimic a design but may not be sold as the real thing.
この時計は模造品です。
This watch is an imitation.
Something that is a sham or spurious imitation. Slightly literary or old-fashioned.
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.
ノーブランド品だけど、品質は悪くない。
It's a no-brand product, but the quality isn't bad.
Used mainly for generic drugs, but can extend to other generic products.
ジェネリック品の方が安い。
Generic products are cheaper.
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.
これは偽物ではなく、合法的な模造品です。
This is not a counterfeit; it's a legal imitation.
Loanword from English. Often used for fashion accessories or jewelry that imitate the real thing.
イミテーションの真珠のネックレス。
An imitation pearl necklace.
That's not the real thing; it's a sham.