Translation guide
The quality of being real, genuine, or true to oneself. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether you're talking about objects, documents, personal character, or cultural experiences.
Describing something as not fake, counterfeit, or forged.
The most common word for something genuine, real, or authentic. Used for objects, art, documents, etc.
この絵は本物ですか。
Is this painting authentic?
彼のサインは本物だ。
His signature is authentic.
Formal term for authenticity, often used in legal, technical, or official contexts.
この文書の真正を証明する。
Certify the authenticity of this document.
Refers to the distinction between genuine and fake, often used in art appraisal or antiques.
真贋を見極める目が必要だ。
You need an eye to discern authenticity.
Describing a person who is true to themselves, honest, and not pretending.
Sincerity, faithfulness, honesty. Often used to describe a person's character or attitude.
彼は誠実な人だ。
He is a sincere person.
誠実さが何より大切だ。
Authenticity is more important than anything.
One's true feelings or real intention, as opposed to a facade. Often contrasted with 建前 (tatemae).
Being true to oneself; living authentically without pretense.
自分に正直に生きたい。
I want to live authentically.
Pure, genuine, unadulterated. Can describe a person's heart or motives, but also objects.
Describing an experience, tradition, or cultural product as being true to its origins, not commercialized or watered down.
Literally 'of the true place', meaning authentic, genuine, from the original source. Often used for cuisine, arts, etc.
本場のイタリアンを食べたい。
I want to eat authentic Italian food.
本場のフラメンコを見た。
I saw authentic flamenco.
Orthodox, legitimate, authentic in the sense of following established tradition.
Describing a work of art, performance, or expression as being original, not copied, and true to the creator's vision.
Originality, uniqueness. Often used to praise an artist's authentic style.
彼の作品には独自性がある。
His work has authenticity.
To be true to life, realistic, deeply authentic in expression.
本物 is the everyday word for 'real thing'. 真正 is formal and often used in certificates or legal contexts. 真贋 is specifically about distinguishing real from fake, and is rarely used outside of appraisal or art contexts.
While 本物 can sometimes describe a person's skill (e.g., 本物のプロ), it is not used to mean 'sincere' or 'true to oneself'. For personal authenticity, use 誠実 or 自分に正直.
I want to hear his true feelings.
本音で話そう。
Let's speak honestly.
彼の純粋な気持ちに感動した。
I was moved by his genuine feelings.
正統な茶道を学ぶ。
Learn authentic tea ceremony.
Loanword from English, used in marketing or trendy contexts to emphasize authenticity, especially in food or fashion.
この店はオーセンティックなタイ料理を出す。
This restaurant serves authentic Thai food.
His performance was deeply authentic.