Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Deceive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "deceive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
欺く
あざむく (azamuku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ごまかす
ごまかす (gomakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deceive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 欺く and ごまかす.
In Japanese, 欺く (あざむく (azamuku)) is typically associated with "to deceive; to trick; to delude" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 人を「だます」という行為を表し、道徳的に良くない意味合いで使われます。It describes the act of 'deceiving' someone and is used with a morally negative connotation..
On the other hand, ごまかす (ごまかす (gomakasu)) maps to "to deceive; to cheat; to mislead; to gloss over; to fudge" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 真実を隠したり、誤魔化したりして、相手を騙したり、自分の過失を隠したりする行為を指します。. A literal translation of "deceive" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "欺く"
彼は友人を欺いて大金を騙し取った。
He deceived his friend and swindled a large sum of money.
Bilingual Context for "ごまかす"
彼は会議で自分のミスをごまかそうとした。
He tried to gloss over his mistake in the meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は友人を欺いて大金を騙し取った。" (Meaning: "He deceived his friend and swindled a large sum of money.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "欺く" fits here because it means "to deceive; to trick; to delude" in the context of: "He deceived his friend and swindled a large sum of money.". "ごまかす" represents "to deceive; to cheat; to mislead; to gloss over; to fudge".