Translation guide
Describes something or someone that is fake, not genuine, or pretending to be something they are not. The best Japanese word depends on whether you mean a counterfeit object, a fraudulent scheme, or an insincere person.
Describing a physical item that is not authentic, such as a fake brand product, forged document, or counterfeit money.
The most common and general word for a fake or counterfeit object. Can be used for anything from fake designer bags to forged paintings.
This bag is a phony.
He was selling phony watches.
Refers to imitation or replica goods, often used in legal contexts or when discussing knock-offs. Slightly more formal than 偽物.
Phony goods were seized at customs.
Specifically a forged artwork or literary work. Used for fake paintings, sculptures, or manuscripts.
The painting turned out to be a phony.
Describing a person who pretends to be something they are not, often in a negative sense of being shallow, hypocritical, or deceitful.
A hypocrite; someone who pretends to have virtues or beliefs they do not actually possess. Strongly negative.
He's such a phony. He says he cares about the environment but always drives to work.
Means 'superficial' or 'only on the surface.' Used to describe a person's phony friendliness or attitude.
Her kindness is phony.
A sly or crafty person who cannot be trusted; a phony in the sense of being a fraud or trickster. Colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned.
Describing an emotion, expression, or performance that is not genuine, such as a forced smile or insincere praise.
A forced or fake smile. Commonly used when someone smiles without genuine feeling.
She put on a phony smile.
Something done for show; a pretense or facade. Can be used for emotions, attitudes, or appearances.
A colloquial, emphatic way to say something is a complete lie or fake. Often used in casual speech.
Describing a situation, deal, or organization that is not legitimate, such as a scam or bogus business.
Fraud or scam. Used for phony investment schemes, fake charities, etc. Can also refer to the act of deceiving.
That's a phony business practice bordering on fraud.
A sham or swindle, often used for rigged games or deceptive tricks. More colloquial than 詐欺.
The direct loanword フォニー is rarely used in Japanese and would sound unnatural. Use the native Japanese expressions above instead.
偽物 is for objects, while 偽善者 is specifically for hypocritical people. Do not use 偽物 to describe a person unless you mean they are literally a fake human (like a robot or impostor).
あいつは食わせ者だから気をつけろ。
Watch out for that guy; he's a phony.
彼の親切は見せかけに過ぎない。
His kindness is just a phony act.
彼の謝罪は嘘っぱちだ。
His apology is totally phony.
いかさま賭博で捕まった。
He was caught running a phony gambling operation.