Translation guide
To make someone believe something that is not true, often by misleading or deceiving them.
To cause someone to have a false belief, often through trickery or false information.
The most common and general verb for deceiving or tricking someone. Can be used in many contexts, from serious fraud to playful tricks.
To hold a false belief about oneself or a situation, often unwillingly or unconsciously.
The direct translation 'to deceive oneself'. Commonly used when someone is in denial or has unrealistic expectations.
彼は自分を騙して、まだ大丈夫だと思っている。
He is deluding himself into thinking it's still okay.
To be misled by superficial or false appearances.
Common phrase meaning 'to be deceived by appearances'.
見かけに騙されてはいけない。
Don't be deluded by appearances.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'delude' in all contexts. The most common equivalent is 騙す (damasu), but it often implies intentional trickery. For self-deception, use phrases like 自分を騙す or 思い込む.
騙す is the everyday word for 'deceive/trick'. 欺く is more formal and often used in writing or serious contexts like fraud. 欺く can also imply a deeper betrayal.
He deluded me and took my money.
簡単に騙されるな。
Don't be easily deluded.
A more formal or literary term for deceiving, often implying a betrayal of trust. Used in serious contexts like fraud or manipulation.
彼は巧みな言葉で人を欺いた。
He deluded people with clever words.
Literally 'to blind someone's eyes', meaning to delude or dazzle someone so they cannot see the truth. Often used with money or desire.
金に目をくらませられて、真実が見えなくなった。
Deluded by money, he lost sight of the truth.
To be convinced of something (often mistakenly). Implies a strong, sometimes delusional, belief.
彼女は自分が正しいと思い込んでいる。
She is deluded into thinking she is right.
To have an illusion or false perception. More psychological, often used for sensory or cognitive delusions.
彼は成功していると錯覚していた。
He was deluded into thinking he was successful.
To be misled or confused by outward appearance. '惑わされる' implies being led astray.
外見に惑わされず、中身を見なさい。
Don't be deluded by looks; see the substance.