Translation guide
How to express 'falsify' in Japanese, covering forgery, tampering, and misrepresentation.
To create a fake version of something official or artistic with intent to deceive.
The standard term for forging documents, currency, or artworks. Implies criminal intent.
彼はパスポートを偽造した。
He forged a passport.
To change existing information dishonestly, such as in accounts, research, or legal documents.
The primary term for tampering with documents, data, or records. Often used in legal and business contexts.
彼は帳簿を改ざんした。
He falsified the accounts.
To present false information as true, often in speech or reporting.
To distort facts or truth, often in media or arguments. Implies twisting the meaning.
彼は事実を歪曲して伝えた。
He distorted the facts.
偽造 (ぎぞう) is for creating a fake from scratch (forgery). 改ざん (かいざん) is for altering existing genuine items (tampering). 捏造 (ねつぞう) is for fabricating entirely false information or stories.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all meanings of 'falsify'. Choose the term based on whether you mean forge, tamper with, or misrepresent. Using the wrong one can change the meaning significantly.
To falsify by lying about something, such as one's identity or the truth of a matter. Broader than forgery.
彼は身分を偽って入国した。
He entered the country under a false identity.
Specifically for creating counterfeit art or literary works. '贋作' means a fake or forgery.
彼は有名な絵画の贋作を作った。
He made a forgery of a famous painting.
To fabricate or make up false information, such as evidence or news. Stronger implication of complete invention.
警察は証拠を捏造したと非難された。
The police were accused of fabricating evidence.
To manipulate or tamper with something in a dishonest way. Can be used for physical objects or data, but less formal.
誰かがメーターに細工したようだ。
It looks like someone tampered with the meter.
To convey something falsely. A more general phrase combining '偽る' (to falsify) and '伝える' (to convey).
メディアが情報を偽って伝えた。
The media conveyed false information.
To make a false declaration or statement, often in official contexts like tax returns.
彼は税関で虚偽の申告をした。
He made a false declaration at customs.