嘘をつく
uso o tsuku
To lie in Japanese is 嘘をつく (uso o tsuku).
The phrase 嘘をつく is used to describe the act of saying something that is not true. It is appropriate for any level of deception, ranging from small white lies to serious falsehoods.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 嘘 (uso), meaning 'lie' and the verb つく (tsuku), which in this context means 'to tell' or 'to commit'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard particle used between the noun and the verb is を (o), as seen in 嘘をつく. While が (ga) can sometimes replace を in certain grammatical constructions, を remains the standard.
How do you pronounce it?
uso o tsuku
Did you know?
- The word 嘘 (uso) can be used as a standalone exclamation, similar to saying 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!' when reacting to surprising news.
- In Japanese culture, there is a concept called 建前 (tatemae), which refers to the 'public face' or opinions one expresses in public to maintain harmony, even if they differ from one's true feelings 本音 (honne).
- The verb つく in 嘘をつく is the same verb used in the phrase 息をつく (iki o tsuku), which means 'to take a breath' or 'to give a sigh of relief'.
Examples in context
- 嘘をつくのは悪いことだ。It's wrong to lie.This sentence shows how to use 嘘をつく to describe an action that is wrong.Tatoeba #189498 by bunbuku, translation #2533402 by CK
- サミは嘘をつく気はない。Sami isn't going to lie.This sentence uses 嘘をつく to express an intention or lack thereof.Tatoeba #9035024 by small_snow, translation #7258399 by OsoHombre
- トムに嘘をつく理由はない。I have no reason to lie to Tom.This sentence uses 嘘をつく to discuss the reasons for lying to someone.Tatoeba #7423711 by Ninja, translation #3330007 by CK
- 彼は私に偽りをついている。He is lying to me.
- 彼女はよく嘘をつく。She often lies.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is questioning Hiroto about a broken vase at home.
- 結衣 Yui大翔、まさか嘘をついているの？Hiroto, masaka uso o tsuite iru no?Hiroto, are you actually lying to me?
- 大翔 Hiroto違うよ、本当に知らないんだ。Chigau yo, hontō ni shiranai n da.No, I really don't know anything about it.
- 結衣 Yui嘘をつく人は信じられない。Uso o tsuku hito wa shinjirarenai.I can't trust people who lie.
- 大翔 Hirotoごめん、正直に話すよ。Gomen, shōjiki ni hanasu yo.I'm sorry, I will speak honestly.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
