Translation and Meaning of: 偽造 - gizou

The Japanese word 偽造 (ぎぞう, gizō) is a term that carries significant weight both in everyday vocabulary and in more formal contexts. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the meaning and use of this expression, this article will explore its origin and how it is culturally perceived in Japan. Let's understand why this word frequently appears in news, legal documents, and discussions about ethics.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 偽造, we will analyze its composition in kanji, practical usage examples, and even tips to memorize it effectively. If you have come across this word in animes, dramas, or articles, you will discover here how it fits into different situations. Feel free to consult Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, to strengthen your learning.

Meaning and composition of 偽造

偽造 (ぎぞう) means "forgery" and is used to describe the intentional creation of something fraudulent, such as documents, money, or signatures. The term is composed of two kanji: 偽 (gi), which carries the meaning of "false" or "deceptive," and 造 (zō), which refers to "construction" or "manufacturing." Together, these characters form a word that literally indicates the production of something that is not genuine.

It is worth noting that 偽造 is not limited to physical objects. It can also be applied to digital data, such as forged certificates or altered records. In Japan, where integrity and trust are fundamental values, this word frequently appears in legal and journalistic contexts, especially in cases of corporate fraud or financial crimes.

Everyday use and cultural context

In their daily lives, the Japanese use 偽造 primarily in situations involving illegality or dishonesty. For example, a newspaper headline may warn about 偽造札 (ぎぞうさつ, counterfeit bills) circulating in the market, or a contract may mention penalties for those who commit 偽造行為 (ぎぞうこうい, acts of forgery). The word carries a strongly negative connotation, reflecting Japanese society's aversion to any form of fraud.

Culturally, Japan has a strict relationship with authenticity and originality, which makes 偽造 viewed as a serious violation. From academic certificates to luxury products, counterfeiting is fought against with harsh laws. It's no wonder that this word frequently appears in public campaigns against piracy and in discussions about business ethics.

Tips for memorizing 偽造

An effective way to remember 偽造 is to associate its kanji with concrete examples. Think of 偽 as "falsehood" and 造 as "creation," forming the idea of "creating something false." Another strategy is to recall real cases, such as news about fake passports (偽造パスポート) or counterfeit coins, which help to contextualize the term.

For those who use flashcards or apps like Anki, including sentences like この書類は偽造です (This document is forged) can reinforce learning. Repeated exposure to real contexts, whether in articles or dialogues from dramas, also facilitates the internalization of the word. Remember that 偽造 is not a neutral term – it carries a connotation of illegality, which can help differentiate it from similar words.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 偽物 (Nisemono) - Counterfeiting or copying of the original
• 偽造品 (Gizōhin) - Counterfeit or imitation product
• 偽造物 (Gizōbutsu) - Counterfeit object
• 偽造品目 (Gizōhinmoku) - List of counterfeit products
• 偽造製品 (Gizōseihin) - Counterfeit products
• 偽造物品 (Gizōbuppin) - Counterfeit item or merchandise
• 偽造品名 (Gizōhinmei) - Name of a counterfeit product
• 偽造品リスト (Gizōhinrisuto) - List of counterfeit products
• 偽造品異名 (Gizōhinimmyō) - Other names for counterfeit products

偽造

Romaji: gizou
Kana: ぎぞう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: falsification; manufacturing; counterfeit.

Meaning in English: forgery;falsification;fabrication;counterfeiting

Definition: Forge something different from reality.

Example Sentences - (偽造) gizou

See below some example sentences:

偽造は法律で禁止されています。

Gizou wa houritsu de kinshi sarete imasu

Counterfeiting is prohibited by law.

Falcocks are prohibited by law.

• 偽造 - counterfeiting
• は - Topic particle
• 法律 - law
• で - particle indicating the means or instrument
• 禁止 - ban, prohibition
• されています - passive form of the verb "suru" (to do), indicating that the action of prohibiting is done by someone or something.