Used as a noun or suffix to describe something that is a fake, imitation, or resembles something else, often with a negative connotation of being inferior or deceptive. Common in compounds like まがい物 (imitation goods) or 芝居まがい (theatrical, melodramatic).
The branded goods sold at that store are imitations.
His speech was theatrical and lacked persuasiveness.
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 紛い, 擬い, and 贋い are rare or irregular.
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
Irregular kanji usage; the kana form is strongly preferred.
Derived from the verb 紛う (まがう, 'to be mistaken for'), with the continuative form まがい used as a noun. The kanji 紛 carries the meaning of 'confusion' or 'mixing up', reflecting the idea of something being mistaken for the real thing.