嘘をついている
uso o tsuite iru
To say "you're lying" in Japanese, you use 嘘をついている (uso o tsuite iru).
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are not telling the truth. In Japanese, the subject "you" is often omitted from the phrase if it is clear from the context who is being accused.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 嘘 (uso, meaning 'lie') and ついている (tsuite iru, which is the continuous form of the verb meaning 'to attach' or 'to tell').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 嘘をついている is informal and lacks polite verb endings. For a more polite and formal way to say "you're lying", you can use 嘘をついています. Additionally, 嘘だ is a casual way to say "you're lying".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the ~ている (~te iru) form to indicate a continuous state or an ongoing action of lying.
How do you pronounce it?
uso o tsuite iru
Did you know?
- The term 嘘 (uso) can also be used in slang to mean 'no way!' or 'you're kidding!' when reacting to surprising news.
- While 嘘 means 'lie', Japanese has a specific word 方便 ('hōben') for a 'white lie' or a strategic falsehood told for a greater good, rooted in Buddhist philosophy.
- Japanese culture values tatemae ('public face') and honne ('true feelings'). Because of this, a statement that is technically a 'lie' is often socially accepted as a necessary courtesy rather than a moral failing.
Examples in context
- 嘘をついているね。You're lying, aren't you?This sentence shows how to use 嘘をついている to ask for confirmation.Tatoeba #189502 by bunbuku, translation #435198 by CK
- トムはあなたは嘘をついていると思う。Tom thinks you're lying.This sentence shows how to use 嘘をついている when reporting what someone else thinks.Tatoeba #1279088 by marcelostockle, translation #1141131 by CK
- そんなことはない、嘘をついています。That's not true, you're lying.
- 本当に？それは嘘だよ。Really? That's a lie.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing about a broken vase.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、あなたが壊したんでしょ？Yōta, anata ga kowashita n desho?Yōta, you broke it, didn't you?
- 陽太 Yota僕じゃないよ。知らないよ。Boku janai yo. Shiranai yo.It wasn't me. I don't know anything about it.
- 陽葵 Himari嘘をついているのがわかるよ！Uso o tsuite iru no ga wakaru yo!I can tell that you're lying!
- 陽太 Yota本当だよ！信じてよ。Hontō da yo! Shinjite yo.It's the truth! Believe me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
