Translation guide
To pretend not to know or understand something, often to avoid responsibility or confrontation.
Act as if you are unaware of something, usually to avoid trouble or responsibility.
A common, natural phrase meaning to feign ignorance. Suitable for everyday situations.
彼は私の質問に知らんぷりをした。
He played dumb when I asked him.
A versatile verb meaning to play dumb or act innocent. Often used when someone is clearly feigning ignorance.
Literally 'cut white', meaning to feign innocence or pretend not to know, often in a blatant or defiant way.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to pretend not to know'. Slightly more literal than 知らんぷり.
彼女は私を見ても知らないふりをした。
She played dumb even though she saw me.
An emphatic form of とぼける, implying a more deliberate or exaggerated act of playing dumb.
彼はすっとぼけて、話をそらした。
He played dumb and changed the subject.
Act as if you are less intelligent or capable than you really are, often to manipulate others or avoid work.
Literally 'to feign foolishness'. Used when someone pretends to be stupid.
彼は馬鹿を装って、難しい仕事を避けた。
He played dumb to avoid the difficult task.
知らんぷりをする focuses on ignoring or pretending not to notice something, while とぼける is more about actively feigning ignorance or innocence when confronted. とぼける can also imply a playful or sly attitude.
彼は私の存在に知らんぷりをした。
He pretended not to notice me.
彼は何も知らないととぼけた。
He played dumb, claiming he knew nothing.
Do not translate 'play dumb' literally as 馬鹿を遊ぶ or similar. It will not be understood. Use the idiomatic expressions provided.
彼は何も知らないととぼけた。
He played dumb, saying he knew nothing.
彼は白を切って、自分の関与を否定した。
He played dumb and denied any involvement.
A more dramatic way to say 'play the fool'. Slightly literary.
彼は愚か者を演じて、周囲を油断させた。
He played dumb to catch everyone off guard.
Also used for feigning stupidity, not just ignorance. Context determines the nuance.
彼はわざととぼけて、説明を聞かなかった。
He deliberately played dumb and didn't listen to the explanation.