Translation guide
How to express that something is incorrect, mistaken, or not right in Japanese, depending on whether you mean a factual error, a moral wrong, or a personal mistake.
To state that a fact, answer, or information is not correct.
The most common and natural way to say something is wrong or mistaken. It is the te-iru form of 間違う (to make a mistake), indicating a state of being incorrect.
その答えは間違っている。
That answer is wrong.
This map is wrong.
Means 'different' or 'not correct'. Often used in casual speech to say something is wrong. Can sound blunt.
A more formal or written way to say something is erroneous. Often used in official contexts or documents.
その情報は誤っている。
That information is wrong.
To express that an action or behavior is ethically or morally incorrect.
The basic word for 'bad' or 'wrong' in a moral sense. Can be used for actions, people, or situations.
嘘をつくのは悪いことだ。
Lying is wrong.
彼が悪い。
He is in the wrong.
Often used to say something is not allowed or is morally wrong, especially in rules or admonishments. Common in the phrase 〜てはいけない (must not do).
人を傷つけてはいけない。
It's wrong to hurt people.
Refers to injustice, wrongdoing, or unfairness. More formal and often used in legal or social contexts.
To admit or point out that someone (including oneself) has made an error in thinking or doing.
Transitive verb meaning 'to make a mistake' or 'to get something wrong'. Focuses on the action of erring.
Means to misunderstand or to be under a wrong impression. Emphasizes a mistaken assumption.
すみません、勘違いしていました。
Sorry, I was wrong (I misunderstood).
彼は私のことを怒っていると勘違いした。
I was wrong in thinking he was angry at me.
Similar to 勘違い, meaning a mistaken belief or misapprehension. Slightly more literary.
それは私の思い違いだった。
I was wrong about that.
To say that a machine, system, or body part is not working properly.
Means 'out of order' or 'broken down'. Used for machines, equipment, etc.
エアコンが故障している。
The air conditioner is wrong (not working).
Literally 'condition is bad'. A softer way to say something is not working right, often for health or machines.
今日はお腹の調子が悪い。
My stomach is wrong today (upset).
パソコンの調子が悪い。
The computer is acting up.
Means 'strange' or 'not right'. Can be used for anything that seems off, including machines, behavior, or situations.
間違っている explicitly means 'is mistaken/incorrect', while 違う means 'is different'. In casual contexts, 違う is often used to mean 'wrong', but it can sound abrupt. Use 間違っている for a more precise statement of error.
それは間違っている。
That is incorrect.
それは違う。
That's not right (different).
English 'be wrong' covers many situations, but Japanese uses different words for factual errors, moral wrongs, and malfunctions. Using 間違っている for a moral wrong can sound unnatural; use 悪い instead.
そんなことをするのはいけない。
Doing such a thing is wrong.
That is wrong (unjust).
時計がおかしい。
The clock is wrong (acting strange).
どうも様子がおかしい。
Something seems wrong.