Translation guide
The English phrase "be different" can be expressed in Japanese through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases. The most common and versatile way is the adjective 違う (chigau), which means "to differ" or "to be different." Other options include 異なる (kotonaru) for more formal or written contexts, and expressions like 別だ (betsu da) when emphasizing separateness or distinction. The choice depends on the nuance and context.
Expressing that something is not the same as something else, in a general sense.
The most common and versatile way to say "be different." Used in both spoken and written Japanese. Can be used for differences in opinion, appearance, nature, etc.
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 literary synonym for 違う. Often used in written language, academic contexts, or formal speeches.
文化によって習慣が異なります。
Customs differ depending on the culture.
Emphasizes that two things are separate or distinct, not just different in quality. Often implies they are not the same thing or category.
それはまた別の問題だ。
That's a different issue altogether.
Highlighting that something is fundamentally different in kind or character.
Still the default choice, but can be emphasized with adverbs.
彼の考え方は根本的に違う。
His way of thinking is fundamentally different.
Means 'heterogeneous' or 'different in quality.' Used when emphasizing that something is of a completely different nature.
この二つの文化は異質だ。
These two cultures are different in nature.
Describing that something looks or seems different from before or from others.
Works for any visible or perceivable difference.
今日はいつもと様子が違うね。
You seem different today (from usual).
Literally 'has changed,' but often used to mean 'is different (from the norm)' or 'is unusual.' Implies a deviation from a previous state or standard.
彼の服装はいつも変わっている。
His clothes are always different (unusual).
Clarifying that two things are not the same, often in explanations.
A common pattern to explicitly state that A and B are different.
「聞く」と「聴く」は違います。
'Kiku' (to hear) and 'kiku' (to listen) are different.
Used to separate one thing from another, often to avoid confusion.
趣味と仕事は別だ。
Hobbies and work are different (separate) things.
違う is the everyday word for 'different.' 異なる is more formal and often used in writing or formal speech. In casual conversation, 違う is almost always preferred. 異なる can sound stiff or academic.
違う can also mean 'wrong' or 'incorrect' when used in certain contexts, like pointing out a mistake. Be careful: if you say 'それは違う' it can mean 'That's different' or 'That's wrong' depending on the situation. To avoid ambiguity, use 間違っている (machigatte iru) for 'wrong.'
答えが違う。
The answer is different/wrong. (ambiguous)
答えが間違っている。
The answer is wrong. (clear)