Translation guide
The English word "wrong" covers a wide range of meanings, from factual errors and moral judgments to malfunctioning things and inappropriate choices. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each situation.
それは間違っています。
That's wrong (factual).
機械の調子が悪い。
Something is wrong with the machine.
To say that something is factually incorrect, a mistake, or not right.
The most common and versatile way to say something is wrong or incorrect. It's the progressive form of 間違う (to make a mistake), so it literally means 'is mistaken'. Used for facts, answers, directions, etc.
その答えは間違っています。
That answer is wrong.
地図が間違っている。
The map is wrong.
Literally means 'different', but very commonly used in casual speech to mean 'wrong' or 'no, that's not right'. Often used as a quick correction.
A more formal and written way to say 'is erroneous'. Often used in official documents, news, or academic contexts.
その情報は誤っています。
That information is incorrect.
To express that an action or behavior is morally unacceptable, evil, or not right.
To say that a machine, device, or body part is not working correctly.
The standard way to say something is broken or out of order. Used for machines, electronics, vehicles, etc.
エアコンが故障している。
The air conditioner is broken. / Something is wrong with the AC.
To say that something is not the right thing for a situation, or not appropriate.
A polite and clear way to say something is not appropriate or suitable. Often used in formal settings.
その発言は適切ではなかった。
That remark was wrong / inappropriate.
To indicate that someone has confused one person or thing for another.
To ask someone if they are upset, hurt, or if there is a problem.
The most common and natural way to ask 'What's wrong?' or 'What's the matter?'. Casual.
どうしたの？元気ないね。
What's wrong? You seem down.
To describe a situation or plan that does not proceed as expected and ends badly.
English uses 'wrong' in many set phrases and contexts. Japanese often uses different words depending on the nuance. Avoid trying to use one Japanese word for all meanings of 'wrong'.
それは間違いです。
That is a mistake. (Not 'That is wrong' in all contexts.)
間違っている is the standard way to say something is factually incorrect. 違う literally means 'different' and is used more casually to correct someone. Using 違う in formal writing to mean 'wrong' can sound too blunt.
答えが間違っている。
The answer is wrong. (Neutral statement)
That's wrong.
違う、違う！そうじゃない。
No, no! That's not it.
The basic word for 'bad' or 'wrong' in a moral sense. It's simple and widely used.
嘘をつくのは悪いことだ。
Lying is wrong.
彼が悪い。
He is in the wrong. / It's his fault.
The negative form of 良い (good), meaning 'not good'. A softer, often more conversational way to say something is wrong or not right.
人を傷つけるのは良くない。
It's wrong to hurt people.
Means 'injustice' or 'wrongdoing'. Used for more serious, often legal or systemic wrongs.
不正を正す。
To right a wrong.
Literally 'condition is bad'. A very common and natural way to say something is not working properly, or that you feel unwell. Less definitive than 'broken'.
パソコンの調子が悪い。
Something is wrong with my computer.
お腹の調子が悪い。
My stomach is not right. / Something is wrong with my stomach.
Means 'strange' or 'funny'. Often used when something seems off or not working as expected, but you're not sure why.
テレビの映りがおかしい。
Something is wrong with the TV picture.
Means 'out of place' or 'inappropriate for the occasion'. Often used for clothing, behavior, or comments.
その服は場違いだ。
Those clothes are wrong for this occasion.
A phrase meaning 'That's not the kind of thing you should say'. Used to scold someone for an inappropriate comment.
そんなこと言うもんじゃないよ。
It's wrong to say things like that.
A noun meaning 'mistaken identity'. Used when you mistake one person for another.
すみません、人違いでした。
Sorry, I mistook you for someone else. (lit. It was a wrong person.)
A pattern meaning 'to do something by mistake'. Use with a verb to say you did the wrong thing.
間違えて違うボタンを押した。
I pressed the wrong button by mistake.
間違えて彼の傘を持って行った。
I took his umbrella by mistake.
A polite way to ask 'Is something wrong?' or 'Is there a problem?'. Often used by staff or in more formal situations.
お客様、どうかなさいましたか？
Sir/Ma'am, is something wrong?
何もかもうまくいかない。
Everything is going wrong.
Wrong! / No! (Casual correction)
Wrong! / No! (Casual correction)