Translation guide
The English word "different" can be expressed in Japanese through several adjectives and verbs, depending on whether you mean "not the same," "various," or "another." The most common word is 違う (chigau), but 異なる (kotonaru) is used in formal contexts, and 別の (betsu no) means "another" or "separate."
Expressing that two or more things are not identical or have different qualities.
The most common and versatile word for "different." Used in casual and polite speech. Can also mean "wrong" or "incorrect."
私の意見はあなたの意見と違います。
My opinion is different from yours.
この二つの色は違う。
These two colors are different.
A more formal and written equivalent of 違う. Often used in academic or official contexts.
結果は予想と異なっていた。
The results were different from what was expected.
A common pattern meaning "unlike ~" or "different from ~." Used to contrast two things.
兄と違って、私はスポーツが苦手です。
Unlike my older brother, I'm not good at sports.
A formal noun meaning "difference" or "discrepancy." Used in legal, technical, or business contexts.
両者の意見には相違がある。
There is a difference of opinion between the two parties.
Indicating that there are multiple kinds or types of something.
A common na-adjective meaning "various" or "diverse." Used to describe a range of different things.
様々な理由で遅刻した。
I was late for various reasons.
A more casual and conversational word for "various." Often used in daily speech.
色々な人に会った。
I met various people.
Can also mean "different" in the sense of "various" when used with plural nouns, often in formal writing.
Referring to a different item or person, not the same one.
A pre-noun adjectival meaning "another" or "a different." Used when you want a separate instance of something.
別の方法を試してみよう。
Let's try a different method.
それは別の問題だ。
That's a different problem.
Means "other" or "another." Similar to 別の but can also imply "the rest of."
他の店に行きましょう。
Let's go to a different store.
違う (chigau) is the everyday word for "different" and can also mean "wrong." 異なる (kotonaru) is more formal and used in writing or official speech. In casual conversation, 違う is almost always preferred.
When you mean "a different one" (another item), use 別の (betsu no) or 他の (hoka no), not 違う. 違う describes a quality of being different, not a separate entity.
別の本をください。
Please give me a different book.
それは全く別の問題だ。
That's a completely different matter.
私の意見はあなたの意見と違います。
My opinion is different from yours.
異なる分野の専門家が集まった。
Experts from different fields gathered.