Translation guide
A person or thing that appears threatening but is actually weak or ineffectual.
Describing someone or something that looks strong or dangerous but is not.
Direct equivalent of 'paper tiger', literally 'papier-mâché tiger'. Commonly understood in Japanese.
彼の脅しは張子の虎だ。
His threats are a paper tiger.
Means 'all show, no substance' or 'not as good as it looks'. Can be used for people or things.
張子の虎 is the most direct translation and is widely recognized. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
張子の虎 specifically implies a false threat, while 見かけ倒し is broader and can refer to anything that disappoints in quality or ability compared to its appearance.
あの会社は見かけ倒しだった。
That company turned out to be a paper tiger.
Proverb meaning 'a fox borrowing the tiger's authority', i.e., someone who bullies others by relying on a stronger power. More about borrowed authority than inherent weakness.
彼は虎の威を借る狐に過ぎない。
He's nothing but a paper tiger, relying on his boss's authority.