Translation guide
The act of creating a fake document, artwork, signature, etc., or the fake item itself. Japanese distinguishes between the crime, the fake object, and the act of counterfeiting.
Referring to the illegal act of forging documents, signatures, or official seals.
The most common term for the crime of forgery, especially for documents, currency, and official items.
彼はパスポート偽造の罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for passport forgery.
Specifically the crime of forgery, used in legal contexts.
偽造罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for forgery.
Referring to the fake item itself, such as a forged painting or document.
General term for a fake or counterfeit item. Can be used for forgeries of art, documents, etc.
この絵は偽物だと判明した。
This painting turned out to be a forgery.
Specifically a forged artwork or literary work. Often used in art and antique contexts.
A forged or counterfeit product, often used for documents, currency, or branded goods.
Specifically faking someone's signature.
Directly means 'signature forgery'. Used in legal and formal contexts.
署名偽造は重罪です。
Signature forgery is a serious crime.
Verb phrase meaning 'to forge a signature'. More casual than 署名偽造.
彼は私のサインを偽造した。
He forged my signature.
Specifically making fake money.
Counterfeit bills. The act of making them is often expressed with 偽造.
偽札を作ることは違法です。
Making counterfeit bills is illegal.
Currency counterfeiting, a formal term.
通貨偽造の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of currency counterfeiting.
偽造 (ぎぞう) refers to the act or crime of forging, especially official documents and currency. 偽物 (にせもの) is a general term for any fake or counterfeit item. 贋作 (がんさく) is specifically for forged art or literary works.
For counterfeit luxury goods (bags, watches, etc.), use 偽ブランド品 (にせブランドひん) or コピー品 (コピーひん), not 偽造.
その彫刻は贋作だった。
The sculpture was a forgery.
偽造品のパスポートが見つかった。
A forged passport was found.