Translation guide
The English word "masquerade" has two main meanings: a literal masked ball or costume party, and a figurative act of pretending to be something one is not. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
A social event where people wear masks and often costumes.
An act of deception or disguise, often to hide one's true nature or intentions.
Disguise or camouflage, often used for physical or systematic deception (e.g., vehicle, identity).
偽装 (gisō) implies a deliberate, often systematic disguise (e.g., disguising a crime, vehicle, or identity). 見せかけ (misekake) is more about superficial appearance or pretense in behavior or character. Use 偽装 for concrete deception, 見せかけ for abstract fakery.
The standard term for a formal masked ball. Literally 'masked dance party'.
今夜の仮面舞踏会には、多くの貴族が参加する。
Many nobles will attend tonight's masquerade ball.
Loanword from English, used for themed parties or events, often with a Western flair.
ハロウィンにマスカレードパーティーを開く予定です。
We're planning to hold a masquerade party for Halloween.
General term for a costume party, not necessarily with masks. Common for Halloween or casual events.
会社の仮装パーティーで、私は吸血鬼の格好をした。
At the office costume party, I dressed up as a vampire.
彼の慈善活動は、脱税の偽装に過ぎなかった。
His charity work was merely a masquerade for tax evasion.
Pretense or outward appearance that hides the truth. Common in everyday speech.
彼の優しさは見せかけで、本当は冷酷な人間だ。
His kindness is just a masquerade; he's actually a cold-hearted person.
Literally 'to wear a mask', meaning to hide one's true feelings or personality.
彼女はいつも仮面をかぶっていて、本心が見えない。
She's always masquerading; I can't see her true feelings.
Impersonation or identity fraud, often used in online contexts.
SNSでのなりすまし被害が増えている。
Cases of masquerading on social media are increasing.
Camouflage, used metaphorically for hiding true intentions or nature.
その親切は単なるカモフラージュだった。
That kindness was just a masquerade.