Translation guide
The English word "artificial" covers a range of meanings from "man-made" to "insincere." This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on what you want to say.
Describing something created by humans, often in contrast to natural things.
The most common and neutral word for 'artificial' in the sense of man-made. Used for physical objects, materials, environments, etc.
この湖は人工のものです。
This lake is artificial.
Artificial flowers don't wilt.
Similar to 人工の, but often used for things that imitate natural products, like人造湖 (man-made lake) or 人造絹糸 (artificial silk). Slightly more technical.
人造湖でボートに乗った。
We went boating on an artificial lake.
Na-adjective meaning 'artificial' or 'synthetic.' Often carries a nuance of being unnatural or lacking naturalness, sometimes negative.
この味は人工的だ。
This taste is artificial.
Referring to substances, materials, or chemicals made by synthesis rather than extracted from nature.
Used for synthetic materials, chemicals, fibers, etc. Emphasizes chemical synthesis.
このジャケットは合成皮革でできている。
This jacket is made of synthetic leather.
合成甘味料はカロリーが低い。
Artificial sweeteners are low in calories.
Also used for synthetic things, but broader. 合成の is more precise for chemical synthesis.
人工甘味料を使っていますか？
Do you use artificial sweeteners?
Describing behavior, emotions, or expressions that are put on, not heartfelt.
Describes actions or expressions that seem forced, exaggerated, or obviously fake. Often used for smiles, laughter, gestures.
彼女の笑顔はわざとらしかった。
Her smile was artificial.
わざとらしい驚き方をした。
He acted surprised in an artificial way.
Literally 'made thing,' implying something fake or staged. Can describe emotions or situations.
彼の親切は作り物のように感じた。
His kindness felt artificial.
Means 'unnatural.' Can be used for behavior that doesn't seem genuine.
彼の態度は不自然だった。
His attitude was artificial.
Describing situations, plots, or speech that seem planned or manipulated rather than natural.
Commonly used for situations, stories, or dialogue that feel forced or lack natural flow.
その映画の結末は不自然だった。
The movie's ending felt artificial.
Implies intentional manipulation or artificiality, often with a negative connotation. Used for arguments, setups, etc.
彼の話は作為的に感じられた。
His story seemed artificial.
Referring to the field of computer science or the technology itself.
The standard term for artificial intelligence. Often abbreviated as AI (エーアイ) in casual contexts.
人工知能の研究が進んでいる。
Research on artificial intelligence is advancing.
While 人工の means 'artificial' for objects, it cannot describe fake smiles or forced behavior. Use わざとらしい or 不自然な instead.
✕ 人工の笑顔
artificial smile (incorrect)
◯ わざとらしい笑顔
artificial smile (correct)
人工 is the broadest term for man-made. 人造 is often used for imitations of natural things (人造湖, 人造人間). 合成 specifically refers to chemical synthesis (合成繊維, 合成樹脂).