Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'false rumor' depends on whether you mean a baseless rumor, a mistaken rumor, or a deliberately spread falsehood. The most common and neutral term is デマ, but other words carry different nuances.
To refer to a rumor that is untrue, often spread without solid evidence.
The most common and neutral word for a false rumor or misinformation. Often used in news and everyday conversation.
それはデマです。
That's a false rumor.
デマが広がっている。
A false rumor is spreading.
A more formal or literary term for a groundless rumor. Often used in the compound 流言飛語 (りゅうげんひご) meaning 'wild rumors'.
流言飛語に惑わされないでください。
Please don't be misled by wild rumors.
A false report or misinformation, often used in journalism. Implies a deliberate or mistaken falsehood.
その記事は虚報だった。
That article was a false report.
To refer to a rumor that is intentionally fabricated to deceive or cause harm.
Disinformation; false information spread deliberately. Often used in political or media contexts.
偽情報がSNSで拡散された。
Disinformation was spread on social media.
Slang for a false rumor or fake news, often used in casual conversation. Implies something made up or a hoax.
それ、ガセネタだよ。
That's a fake rumor.
To refer to a rumor that is not true but may have been believed or spread without malicious intent.
An erroneous report or misinformation, often used when media or official sources get something wrong.
新聞が誤報を出した。
The newspaper published a false report.
A rumor or hearsay, often with a negative connotation. Used in phrases like 風評被害 (ふうひょうひがい) meaning 'reputational damage from rumors'.
A general word for rumor or gossip. Not inherently false, but can be used with modifiers like 根も葉もない (ねもはもない, groundless) to mean a false rumor.
デマ is the most general term for a false rumor, suitable for both casual and formal contexts. ガセネタ is slang and very casual, often implying a hoax or joke. 誤報 specifically refers to an erroneous report by media or authorities.
デマに注意してください。
Please be careful of false rumors.
ガセネタをつかまされた。
I was fed a fake story.
テレビ局が誤報を認めた。
The TV station admitted the false report.
The direct translation '偽りの噂' (いつわりのうわさ) is understandable but unnatural. Use デマ or other specific terms instead.
The direct translation '偽りの噂' (いつわりのうわさ) is understandable but unnatural. Use デマ or other specific terms instead.
A made-up story or fabrication. Can be used for a false rumor that is entirely invented.
それはただの作り話だ。
That's just a made-up story.
風評被害を防ぐ。
Prevent damage from false rumors.
That's a groundless rumor.