嘘
uso[ɯ̟so̞]
The Japanese word for "lie" is 嘘 (uso).
嘘 (uso) refers to an intentional untruth. It is most commonly used as a noun within a verb phrase to mean "to tell a lie."
Meaning: tell an intentional untruth (verb)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
嘘 is the general, common term. 虚言 is a formal alternative. In casual speech, the particle between the noun and the verb can be omitted, resulting in the shortened 嘘つく (uso tsuku) or the form 嘘言う (uso iu).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In various areas of the Tohoku region, 嘘 may be transformed into イソ (iso).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
uso
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, saying 嘘! (uso!) often functions as an exclamation of disbelief, similar to saying 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!' in English.
- The kanji used in 嘘 is a special creation called a 'kokuji', meaning it was developed in Japan rather than being imported from China.
- Using 嘘 in a high-pitched, rising intonation is a common way to seek confirmation that a shocking piece of news is actually true.
Examples in context
- 嘘をつくな。Don't lie.This sentence shows how to use 嘘 to tell someone not to lie.Tatoeba #5751906 by verbum, translation #2111913 by CK
- それは嘘だよ。That's a lie.This sentence uses 嘘 to state that something is a lie.Tatoeba #9995685 by small_snow, translation #2256876 by CK
- 人は嘘つきだ。People lie.This sentence uses 嘘 to describe people who lie.Tatoeba #10798010 by small_snow, translation #10317655 by shekitten
- 彼は嘘をつきました。He lied.
- 嘘ついてないよ。I'm not lying.
- 141 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is questioning Kenta about a broken vase.
- 結衣 Yui本当のこと言って。嘘をつかないで。Hontō no koto itte. Uso o tsukanaide.Tell the truth. Please don't lie.
- 健太 Kenta本当だよ。嘘をついてないよ。Hontō dayo. Uso o tsuite nai yo.It's true. I'm not lying.
- 結衣 Yuiでも、顔が赤いよ。Demo, kao ga akai yo.But your face is red.
- 健太 Kenta恥ずかしいだけだよ！Hazukashii dake dayo!I'm just embarrassed!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 嘘, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 嘘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
