Translation guide
A narrative that is invented or fictional, not based on real events. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from common words for fictional tales to phrases for fabricated excuses.
A story that is invented, not true, often for entertainment.
The most direct equivalent. It literally means 'made-up story' and is used for fictional tales or fabricated accounts.
それはただの作り話だよ。
That's just a made-up story.
Borrowed from English, used for fictional works in literature, film, etc. Often implies a clear distinction from non-fiction.
この小説はフィクションです。
This novel is fiction.
Literally 'fictional story', emphasizing that it is imaginary or not based on reality.
それは完全に架空の話です。
That's a completely made-up story.
Refers to a creative work or original story, often used in literary or artistic contexts. Can imply something crafted or invented.
これは彼の創作です。
This is his original story.
A story invented to deceive or avoid trouble, often an excuse.
A fabrication or trumped-up story, often with a negative connotation of being a lie or false accusation.
彼の話は全部でっち上げだ。
His story is completely made up.
Literally 'lie story', a straightforward term for a false tale.
そんな嘘話に騙されないよ。
I won't be fooled by such a made-up story.
A verb phrase meaning 'to make up a story', often implying fabrication for a purpose.
彼は言い訳の話を作った。
He made up an excuse story.
An imaginative story created by or for children, often playful.
A gentle word for 'story', often used for children's tales, including made-up ones. The honorific prefix softens it.
子供たちにお話を作ってあげた。
I made up a story for the children.
A fantasy or imaginative story, emphasizing the creative, dream-like aspect.
彼女は空想話を語るのが好きだ。
She likes telling made-up fantasy stories.
作り話 is a general term for any made-up story, including lies. フィクション is specifically for artistic fictional works and doesn't carry the negative nuance of deception.
彼のアリバイは作り話だった。
His alibi was a made-up story.
この映画はフィクションです。
This movie is fiction.
Directly translating 'made-up story' as 作られた話 is unnatural. Use the established terms above instead.