Translation guide
How to talk about errors in written text, from typos to factual mistakes.
A small mechanical error when writing or typing, like hitting the wrong key or writing the wrong kana.
General term for a writing mistake, often a slip of the pen or a typo. Natural in both casual and polite contexts.
レポートに書き間違いがいくつかあった。
There were a few typos in the report.
A mistake in the information itself, not just a slip of the pen.
An error in grammar, word usage, or expression when writing.
Common term for a grammatical mistake. Used in both learning and editing contexts.
この作文には文法ミスがいくつかある。
This essay has several grammar mistakes.
書き間違い is a general slip in writing, 誤字 specifically means a wrong character, and タイプミス is a typo from typing. Use 書き間違い for handwritten errors or when the cause is unclear, 誤字 for character-level mistakes, and タイプミス for keyboard errors.
ミス is casual. In formal documents or business writing, prefer 間違い or 誤り.
Specifically a wrong character or letter. Often used for kanji mistakes, but can apply to any script.
この漢字はよく誤字になる。
This kanji is often written incorrectly.
Typo (loanword from English). Very common in casual and business settings for typing errors.
メールにタイプミスがあったので直した。
I fixed a typo in the email.
Formal term for a clerical or writing error, often used in official documents or reports.
申請書に誤記がありました。
There was a mistake in the application form.
Broad term for any mistake. In writing contexts, it covers factual errors, wrong word choices, etc.
記事に間違いがあったので訂正します。
There was a mistake in the article, so I will correct it.
More formal than 間違い. Often used in written corrections or official statements.
報告書に誤りが見つかった。
An error was found in the report.
Casual loanword for 'mistake'. Very common in spoken Japanese and informal writing.
この文書、ミスが多すぎるよ。
This document has too many mistakes.
Mistake in expression or phrasing. Useful when the error is not strictly grammatical but sounds unnatural.
この部分は表現の間違いだと思う。
I think this part has a phrasing mistake.