Translation guide
A warning or signal that turns out to be unnecessary or mistaken. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific nouns and phrases depending on context, from literal fire alarms to metaphorical situations.
A device or system that gives a warning when there is no real danger.
General term for a false report or false alarm, used for security systems, fire alarms, etc.
昨夜、火災報知器の誤報があった。
There was a false alarm from the fire alarm last night.
Malfunction or false triggering of a device, often used for alarms or sensors.
センサーの誤作動で警報が鳴った。
The alarm went off due to a sensor malfunction.
Specifically a prank call or false report made intentionally, like a hoax bomb threat.
いたずら通報で消防車が出動した。
The fire truck was dispatched because of a prank call.
A situation where you thought something bad or important was happening, but it turned out to be nothing.
Literally 'groundless fear', from a Chinese story. Used when worry turns out to be unnecessary. Somewhat literary but common.
心配していたが、結局杞憂に終わった。
I was worried, but it turned out to be a false alarm.
Literally 'rice bran joy' – a short-lived joy from a false expectation. Used when you get excited about something that turns out to be untrue.
A suspected medical condition or pregnancy that turns out not to be real.
False positive, used in medical testing.
検査で偽陽性が出た。
The test showed a false positive.
誤報 is for literal false alarms from devices or reports. 杞憂 is for psychological false alarms – worrying about something that turns out to be nothing.
Do not translate 'false alarm' directly as 偽の警報 or 偽アラーム. These sound unnatural. Use the expressions above depending on context.
Worrying prematurely about something that hasn't happened and may not happen. Closer to 'borrowing trouble' but used when the worry proves unfounded.
試験の結果を心配していたけど、取り越し苦労だった。
I was worried about the exam results, but it was a false alarm.
当選したと思ったら、ぬか喜びだった。
I thought I won, but it was a false alarm.
False pregnancy or pseudocyesis. Specific medical term.
彼女は想像妊娠だった。
She had a false pregnancy.