1An incorrect perception or misperception of stimuli (e.g., optical illusions or auditory misperceptions); a psychological illusion.
遠くに見えた棒が、水面の反射で曲がって見えるのは錯覚だ。
The rod that looked bent in the distance is an illusion caused by the water's reflection.
暗い部屋で何かが動いて見えたが、どうやら錯覚だった。
I thought something moved in the dark room, but it turned out to be an illusion.
色の背景が変わると同じ色でも違って見える錯覚がある。
There's an illusion where the same color looks different depending on the background.
2A misapprehension or misconception—incorrect judgement or belief based on misunderstanding or false impressions.
彼が冷たい人だというのは錯覚だ。実際は親切だ。
It's a misconception that he's cold; in reality he's kind.
数字だけを見て解決した気分になるのは錯覚だ。
Feeling like the problem is solved just by looking at the numbers is an illusion.
彼女の成功は偶然だという錯覚が広まっている。
The misconception that her success was accidental is spreading.