Translation guide
The quality of not telling the truth, being dishonest, or lacking veracity. This guide covers how to express untruthfulness in Japanese, from direct accusations to nuanced descriptions of character or statements.
Describing a person who is habitually untruthful or lacks integrity.
Means 'insincerity' or 'dishonesty' as a character trait. It implies a lack of faithfulness to truth or promises.
I can no longer tolerate his untruthfulness.
Literally 'liar'. A common, direct way to call someone untruthful. Can be harsh or childish.
That person is a liar, so I can't trust them.
A softer, indirect way to say someone is not honest. Literally 'is not honest'.
I think he is untruthful.
Describing a specific statement or claim that is not true or is deceptive.
Means 'falsehood' or 'untruth'. Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe false statements.
His testimony contained untruthfulness.
The most common word for 'lie' or 'falsehood'. Can be used for any untruthful statement.
Literally 'not a fact'. A neutral way to state that something is untrue without directly accusing of lying.
That story is untruthful.
Referring to untruthfulness as a concept or quality, often in philosophical or analytical discussions.
English 'untruthfulness' is often translated as a noun, but in Japanese it's more natural to use adjectives or verbs (e.g., 正直ではない, 嘘をつく) rather than abstract nouns like 虚偽性 in everyday speech.
嘘 is the everyday word for 'lie', while 虚偽 is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. 虚偽 implies a deliberate falsehood, whereas 嘘 can be used for white lies or jokes.
That is clearly an untruth.