Translation guide
The English word 'pretence' covers a range of meanings from pretending something is true, to making a false show, to a claim or affectation. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
To act as if something is the case when it is not, often to deceive or play.
The most common way to say 'pretence' in the sense of pretending. Often used in the pattern 〜ふりをする (to pretend to do something).
He pretended to be asleep.
Don't pretend you don't know.
Same as ふり but often written with kanji. Slightly more formal or literary.
She made a pretence of being calm.
Means 'pretence' as a false appearance or sham. Often used for things that are not what they seem.
His kindness is just a pretence.
To put on a display of a quality or feeling that is not genuine.
Bluff or bravado; a pretence of strength or confidence.
That's just a pretence.
From English 'pose', meaning an affected attitude or pretence. Casual.
Literally 'wearing a cat', meaning feigning innocence or pretending to be harmless. Colloquial.
To state something as true, especially without proof or justification.
Imaginative play or fiction, often without deceptive intent.
A false reason given to hide the real one.
ふり is used for pretending to do something or be in a state, while 見せかけ refers to a false appearance or sham. Use ふり for actions and 見せかけ for deceptive appearances.
The English word 'pretence' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Choose the option that best matches the specific meaning you intend.
His serious attitude is just a pose.
I'm not fooled by her pretence of innocence.
He's a self-proclaimed expert.
女の子はままごとが好きだ。
Girls like playing house.
それは単なる名目だ。
It's just a pretence.