Translation guide
The English word 'simulation' covers several related ideas: a computer model that imitates a real process, the act of pretending or faking something, and the imitation of a system or situation for training or analysis. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on which meaning you intend.
A program or calculation that imitates a real-world process, often for prediction, testing, or gaming.
The most common and direct loanword for 'simulation' in technical, gaming, and everyday contexts. Used for computer simulations, flight simulators, etc.
This game is a realistic flight simulation.
According to the weather simulation, it will rain tomorrow.
Literally 'mock experiment'. Used in scientific or engineering contexts for a simulated experiment, often physical rather than purely computational.
We conducted a simulation experiment in a simulated space environment.
Specifically 'numerical simulation', used in mathematics, physics, and engineering when emphasizing computational methods.
We performed a numerical simulation to analyze this phenomenon.
The act of pretending to have a feeling, quality, or situation, often to deceive.
A noun meaning 'pretending' or 'feigning'. Often used in the pattern 〜ふりをする (to pretend to do something). Very common and natural.
He pretended to be asleep. (He did a simulation of sleeping.)
She pretended not to know.
Means 'disguise' or 'camouflage', often used for faking an appearance or situation in a more deliberate or deceptive way. Can be used for 'simulation' in the sense of faking a crime scene, etc.
Means 'semblance', 'show', or 'pretense'. Emphasizes outward appearance that is not real. Often used in phrases like 見せかけの〜 (a fake/simulated ~).
A training exercise or model that replicates real conditions, such as a fire drill or business simulation.
Again the loanword, widely used for training simulations, business simulations, disaster drills, etc.
We will conduct an evacuation drill simulation.
Specifically 'mock training' or 'simulated training'. Used for drills and exercises that imitate real emergencies or operations.
While シミュレーション covers computer and training simulations, it is not used for personal pretense like 'he simulated surprise'. For that, use ふりをする or 見せかけ.
He simulated surprise. (He pretended to be surprised.)
彼は事故を偽装した。
He faked the accident. (He simulated an accident.)
それは見せかけの優しさだ。
That's just simulated kindness.
The firefighters participated in a simulation training.
Let's do a customer service role-play simulation.