Translation guide
The English word "misinformation" refers to false or inaccurate information, especially when spread unintentionally. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the falsehood, the act of spreading, or the resulting confusion. This guide helps you choose the most natural expression for your context.
To refer to information that is incorrect, regardless of intent.
The most direct and neutral translation for 'misinformation'. It simply means 'incorrect information' and does not necessarily imply malicious intent.
インターネット上には誤情報が溢れている。
The internet is full of misinformation.
A more colloquial phrase meaning 'wrong information'. It is slightly less formal than 誤情報 and very common in everyday speech.
彼は間違った情報を信じてしまった。
He ended up believing the misinformation.
Means 'false information' and often carries a nuance of deliberate falsehood, closer to 'disinformation'. Use when the falsity is emphasized, but be aware it can imply intent.
その記事は虚偽情報に基づいていた。
The article was based on misinformation.
To describe the action of disseminating incorrect information, often unintentionally.
Literally 'to spread mistaken information'. This is a natural way to describe the act of sharing misinformation without necessarily blaming the person.
彼は誤った情報を流してしまった。
He accidentally spread misinformation.
Means 'to spread a false rumor'. デマ (from German 'Demagogie') implies unverified or sensational information. It often suggests irresponsibility but not necessarily malice.
SNSでデマを流す人がいる。
Some people spread misinformation on social media.
Specifically refers to a news outlet publishing a false report. 誤報 means 'erroneous report'.
新聞社が誤報を出して謝罪した。
The newspaper company issued misinformation and apologized.
To focus on the state of being misinformed or the confusion caused by false information.
Means 'to cause misunderstanding'. It is often used when misinformation leads to confusion, even if the information itself isn't explicitly called false.
その発表は誤解を招く内容だった。
The announcement contained misinformation that caused confusion.
A compound meaning 'information confusion'. It describes a state where misinformation has caused chaos or uncertainty. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
災害時には情報混乱が起きやすい。
Misinformation easily causes confusion during disasters.
誤情報 is the safest, most neutral term for 'misinformation'. デマ implies a rumor or hoax, often spread irresponsibly. 虚偽情報 leans toward 'disinformation' and suggests deliberate falsehood. Choose based on the nuance of intent you want to convey.
誤情報を訂正する。
Correct misinformation.
デマに惑わされないで。
Don't be fooled by misinformation (rumors).
虚偽情報の拡散は犯罪になりうる。
Spreading disinformation can be a crime.
There is no exact one-word Japanese equivalent that covers all uses of 'misinformation'. Using 誤情報 is often correct, but in many contexts a phrase like 間違った情報 or 誤解を招く情報 sounds more natural. Pay attention to whether you are referring to the information itself, the act of spreading it, or the resulting confusion.