Translation guide
The English verb 'differ' has two main uses: to be different from something else, and to disagree with someone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings, from common everyday phrases to more formal or written options.
Expressing that two or more things are not the same, or that something is different from another.
Expressing that people have different opinions or do not agree.
Literally 'opinions differ'. The most natural way to say people disagree.
その問題については、意見が違う。
We differ on that issue.
違う (chigau) is the everyday word for 'differ' or 'be different'. 異なる (kotonaru) is more formal and often used in writing. In casual speech, 違う is almost always preferred.
Saying 違います (chigaimasu) to mean 'I disagree' can sound blunt. It's often better to soften it with phrases like そうかもしれませんが… (That may be so, but…) or use 意見が違います (Our opinions differ).
Our opinions differ.
この二つの書類は内容が違う。
These two documents differ in content.
More formal than 違う, often used in writing or official contexts. Emphasizes a clear distinction.
結果は予想と異なった。
The results differed from expectations.
この点において、両者の見解は異なる。
On this point, the views of the two parties differ.
Pattern for 'differ from ~'. Attach the thing being compared to と.
私の考えは彼の考えと違う。
My idea differs from his.
Formal pattern for 'differ from ~'.
この製品は従来のものと異なる。
This product differs from conventional ones.
Very formal, often used in legal or technical documents. Noun form 相違 (difference) is more common.
両者の主張には相違がある。
There is a difference between the two claims.
Used when opinions are split among a group. Emphasizes division.
専門家の間でも意見が分かれている。
Experts differ on this matter.
Formal expression meaning 'to raise an objection' or 'to differ' in a formal setting.
彼はその提案に異議を唱えた。
He differed with the proposal.