Translation guide
The English word "cheat" covers several distinct meanings: breaking rules to gain an unfair advantage, being unfaithful in a romantic relationship, and using shortcuts or tricks to make something easier. Japanese uses different words and phrases for each of these situations.
To act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game, exam, or competition.
Specifically refers to cheating on an exam or test by looking at someone else's answers or using hidden notes. A loanword from 'cunning', but its meaning is narrower than the English word.
試験中にカンニングをしてはいけません。
You must not cheat during the exam.
A general, colloquial phrase meaning to cheat or act slyly. Commonly used by children or in casual situations for minor cheating in games.
またずるをしたでしょう！
You cheated again, didn't you!
A more formal term for dishonest or fraudulent acts. Used in contexts like cheating in sports, business, or official procedures.
彼は試合で不正をして失格になった。
He was disqualified for cheating in the match.
Means to deceive, misrepresent, or cover up. Can be used for cheating by manipulating results, lying about scores, or fudging numbers.
彼は経費をごまかしていた。
He was cheating on his expense reports.
Slang term for cheating or trickery, often implying something is fake or rigged. Used for scams or rigged games.
あのゲームはインチキだ。
That game is rigged (cheating).
To have a secret sexual or romantic relationship with someone other than one's partner.
The most common and general term for cheating in a romantic relationship. It implies a temporary, often less serious affair, but can still be very hurtful.
彼氏が浮気をしているみたい。
It seems like my boyfriend is cheating on me.
Refers specifically to an extramarital affair. It carries a stronger sense of social taboo and is often used in news or serious discussions.
不倫が原因で離婚した。
They divorced because of an affair (cheating).
Literally 'to straddle two forks', meaning to date two people at the same time without either knowing. Focuses on the deception of maintaining two relationships.
彼は二股をかけていたことがバレた。
He got caught two-timing (cheating).
To avoid difficulty or rules by using a clever but possibly unfair method; to 'cheat' in a non-serious way, like using a life hack.
Literally 'use a secret technique'. Commonly used for video game cheat codes, tricks, or life hacks. It doesn't necessarily imply moral wrongdoing.
このゲームの裏技を知ってる？
Do you know any cheats for this game?
Similar to ずるをする but often written in katakana for emphasis. Used for minor cheating or taking an easy way out in daily tasks.
宿題をズルして答えを写した。
I cheated on my homework and copied the answers.
Means to cut corners or skimp on effort. It can be seen as 'cheating' when one doesn't do a task properly, though it's more about laziness than dishonesty.
料理で手抜きをする。
I cheat a little when cooking (by using shortcuts).
カンニング is only for cheating on tests. Using it for infidelity will cause confusion or laughter.
彼女がカンニングした。
My girlfriend cheated on the test. (NOT: My girlfriend cheated on me.)
浮気 is a broader term for cheating in a relationship, including non-marital ones. 不倫 specifically means adultery and implies a more serious social transgression. Use 浮気 for boyfriend/girlfriend situations, and 不倫 for married couples.
浮気は許せない。
I can't forgive cheating.
不倫関係が明るみに出た。
The affair came to light.