Translation guide
A counterfeit note is a fake banknote intended to deceive. In Japanese, the most common term is 偽札 (にせさつ), but other expressions exist for different contexts.
The most common way to refer to a counterfeit note in everyday or news contexts.
Standard term for counterfeit paper money. Used in news, police reports, and daily conversation.
ATMで偽札が見つかった。
A counterfeit note was found at the ATM.
偽札を使った男が逮捕された。
A man who used counterfeit notes was arrested.
More formal/literary term for counterfeit banknotes. Often used in legal or official contexts.
偽造紙幣の製造は重罪です。
Manufacturing counterfeit notes is a serious crime.
Older or more literary term for counterfeit note. Rarely used in modern speech.
贋札が出回っているという噂だ。
There's a rumor that counterfeit notes are circulating.
When referring specifically to counterfeit coins, a different term is used.
Counterfeit coin. Use this when the fake currency is a coin, not a banknote.
この500円玉は偽硬貨かもしれない。
This 500-yen coin might be a counterfeit.
When you want to refer to counterfeit currency without specifying notes or coins.
Colloquial term for counterfeit money, can refer to both coins and notes. Slightly informal.
偽金をつかまされた。
I was stuck with counterfeit money.
Formal term for counterfeit currency, used in legal or economic contexts.
偽造通貨の流通を防ぐ対策が必要だ。
Measures to prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency are necessary.
偽物 means 'fake' or 'imitation' in general (e.g., fake brand goods). For counterfeit money, use 偽札 or 偽造紙幣.
このバッグは偽物だ。
This bag is a fake.