noun
imitation; copy; make-believe; sham
Refers to something that is a mere imitation, lacking the substance or quality of the real thing. Often carries a negative or dismissive nuance.
彼の絵は真似事に過ぎない。
His painting is nothing more than an imitation.
子供たちはお医者さんごっこで真似事を楽
The children enjoyed make-believe by playing doctor.
noun
superficial resemblance; mere semblance
Often used humbly about one's own actions to downplay them as only superficially resembling the real thing. Can also be used critically of others.
私の料理など真似事で、とても人に出せるものではありません。
My cooking is just a poor imitation; I can't serve it to others.
彼の謝罪は真似事で、心がこもっていなかった。
His apology was a mere semblance, lacking sincerity.
Compound of 真似 (mane, 'imitation') and 事 (koto, 'thing, matter'), with rendaku voicing of 事 to ごと. The combination yields the meaning 'imitation thing' or 'act of imitation'.