How to say "fiction" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe straightforward word for fiction as invented stories, especially in literature, film, and entertainment. It contrasts naturally with nonfiction and is the default choice when talking about fiction as a category.
- 偽りいつわりno-adjectivePrimarily means a lie or falsehood; the gloss 'fiction' is marginal here. This is seldom the word you want for fiction in the literary sense — use it when speaking of something untrue told to deceive.
- 作り話つくりばなしnounCovers fiction as a made-up story or fable, something invented rather than true. It suits everyday talk about tales someone made up, and often carries the nuance of a story that is not to be taken as fact.
- 虚構きょこうsuru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveA formal word for fiction as fabrication or something concocted, often contrasted with reality or fact. It suits written or analytical contexts discussing the fictional as opposed to the real, rather than casual talk about stories.
- 創作そうさくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers fiction and invention in the sense of something fabricated or made up, often an account or story that is not factual. It is not the usual word for fiction as a literary genre; think fabrication or invention first.それは彼女の創作だろう。↗I think she made up that story.
Use 「フィクション」 for fiction as invented stories or literature in general, 「作り話」 for made-up tales, 虚構 and 創作 for fiction as fabrication, and avoid 「偽り」, which really means a lie.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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