Translation guide
How to talk about knockoffs, imitations, and counterfeit goods in Japanese.
Referring to an illegal copy of a branded product, often sold as if it were real.
General term for a fake or counterfeit item. Can be used for anything from handbags to money.
Describing something that is a lower-quality copy or imitation of a well-known product, not necessarily illegal.
Referring to a product that is similar to a branded one but sold under a different, usually unknown, name.
Literally 'no-brand product'. Common term for generic or unbranded items.
ノーブランド品だけど、品質は悪くない。
It's a no-brand product, but the quality isn't bad.
偽物 implies intent to deceive. For a legal imitation or generic version, use 模造品 or ノーブランド品 instead.
これは偽物ではなく、合法的な模造品です。
This is not a counterfeit; it's a legal imitation.
このバッグは偽物だ。
This bag is a fake.
偽物をつかまされた。
I was tricked into buying a counterfeit.
Literally 'copy product'. Often used for counterfeit luxury goods, DVDs, etc.
コピー商品の販売は違法です。
Selling counterfeit goods is illegal.
Slang for a knockoff or fake, often used in casual conversation. Can sound a bit rough.
それ、パチモンじゃない？
Isn't that a knockoff?
Imitation or replica, often used for items that mimic a design but may not be sold as the real thing.
この時計は模造品です。
This watch is an imitation.
Loanword from English. Often used for fashion accessories or jewelry that imitate the real thing.
イミテーションの真珠のネックレス。
An imitation pearl necklace.
Something that is a sham or spurious imitation. Slightly literary or old-fashioned.
それは本物ではなく、まがい物だ。
That's not the real thing; it's a sham.
Used mainly for generic drugs, but can extend to other generic products.
ジェネリック品の方が安い。
Generic products are cheaper.