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.
His painting is nothing more than an imitation.
The children enjoyed make-believe by playing doctor.
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.
My cooking is just a poor imitation; I can't serve it to others.
His apology was a mere semblance, lacking sincerity.
Standard kanji spelling.
Search-only kanji form; not a standard spelling.
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'.