Translation and Meaning of: 詐欺 - sagi

The Japanese word 詐欺[さぎ] (sagi) is a term that sparks curiosity both for its direct meaning and its cultural implications. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origins, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities that can help students and enthusiasts of the language. If you've ever wondered about the context in which Japanese people use this expression, or how to memorize it efficiently, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and Use of 詐欺[さぎ]

In Japanese, 詐欺[さぎ] means "fraud" or "scam." It is a word that carries a negative connotation, used to describe situations where someone is intentionally deceived, whether in financial transactions, relationships, or even online. The term is common in news and everyday conversations when discussing crimes or dishonest behaviors.

A practical example of use would be in sentences like "彼は詐欺に遭った" (kare wa sagi ni atta), which means "He was a victim of a scam". The word also appears in compound expressions, such as "ネット詐欺" (netto sagi), which refers to online fraud. Due to being a strong term, its use is generally associated with serious situations, not with jokes or exaggerations.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The word 詐欺 is composed of two kanji: 詐 (sa), which means "to lie" or "to deceive," and 欺 (gi), which also conveys the sense of "fraud" or "illusion." Together, they reinforce the idea of an intentionally deceptive action. This combination is not random; it reflects the way the Japanese language constructs terms to describe complex concepts from simpler characters.

It is worth noting that both kanjis are considered advanced level in the study of Japanese, appearing more frequently in formal or legal contexts. If you are learning the language, you may encounter them in materials such as news or legal documents, but hardly in informal conversations among friends.

Cultural and Social Context

In Japan, the word 詐欺[さぎ] is often associated with financial scams, such as the famous "ore ore sagi", where criminals call elderly people pretending to be relatives in trouble and asking for money. This type of crime is taken very seriously in the country, and the media frequently warns the public about new tactics used by scammers.

Moreover, Japanese society values trust and honesty, which makes fraud a sensitive topic. Therefore, the use of this word typically comes with a connotation of disapproval and indignation. Japanese language students should be careful when using it, as its improper use can sound offensive or exaggerated in certain contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 詐欺罪 (sagi-zai) - Crime de fraude
• 詐欺行為 (sagi kōi) - Ato de fraude
• 詐欺行為罪 (sagi kōi-zai) - Crime for the act of fraud
• 詐欺罪状 (sagi zai-jō) - Conditions of the crime of fraud
• 詐欺行為罪状 (sagi kōi zai-jō) - Conditions of the crime for the act of fraud

詐欺

Romaji: sagi
Kana: さぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: fraud; scam

Meaning in English: fraud;swindle

Definition: The act of deceiving another person with money or property.

Example Sentences - (詐欺) sagi

See below some example sentences:

この詐欺は巧妙に計画されていた。

Kono sagi wa kōmyō ni keikaku sarete ita

This coup was carefully planned.

This coup was cleverly planned.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 詐欺 - noun "fraud, scam"
• は - Topic particle
• 巧妙に - adverb "skillfully, cunningly"
• 計画されていた - verb "to be planned" conjugated in the past progressive

詐欺は許されない行為です。

Sagi wa yurusarenai koui desu

Fraud is an unacceptable action.

Fraud is an unacceptable act.

• 詐欺 - fraud
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - unforgivable
• 行為 - after
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense