Translation guide
The use of deception or cunning to achieve a goal, often in a playful or dishonest way.
To describe dishonest or unfair methods used to gain an advantage.
A general term for deception, cheating, or covering up the truth. Often used for minor dishonest acts.
He passed the exam through trickery.
Refers to swindling or fraud, often in a more deliberate or elaborate scheme.
That investment deal was trickery.
A literary or formal term for deception or betrayal. Less common in everyday speech.
Everyone was surprised by his trickery.
To describe clever but often dishonest methods, emphasizing craftiness.
To describe light-hearted deception, like practical jokes or mischief.
To refer to sleight of hand or magical deception for entertainment.
ごまかし is a broad term for any kind of deception or fudging, often used in daily life (e.g., cheating on a test, hiding a mistake). ペテン implies a more elaborate scheme or swindle, like a con artist's trick.
He avoided paying through trickery.
That salesman is a trickster.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'trickery'. Choose the word based on context: ごまかし for general deception, いたずら for pranks, 手品 for magic tricks. Using the wrong word can sound unnatural.
彼は悪戯が好きだ。
He likes trickery.
I went to see a trickery show.