Translation guide
Expresses that something is wrong, mistaken, or not correct. The most natural Japanese depends on whether you are talking about a factual error, a wrong answer, a misunderstanding, or a moral wrong.
To say that a statement, answer, or piece of information is not correct.
The most common and versatile way to say something is incorrect. It can be used for facts, answers, or actions.
その答えは間違っています。
That answer is incorrect.
I think his explanation is incorrect.
Literally 'different', but very commonly used in casual speech to mean 'that's wrong' or 'no, that's not right'.
いや、違うよ。
No, that's wrong.
それ、違うんじゃない？
Isn't that incorrect?
A more formal or written way to say something is erroneous. Often used in official contexts or documents.
この報告書のデータは誤っています。
The data in this report is incorrect.
To say that someone has the wrong idea or has misunderstood something.
Means 'to be mistaken' or 'to have the wrong idea'. Focuses on the person's misunderstanding.
彼は私の名前を勘違いしている。
He is mistaken about my name.
それは大きな勘違いです。
That's a big misunderstanding.
Similar to 勘違い, but slightly more formal. Implies a mistaken assumption.
どうも思い違いをしていたようです。
It seems I was mistaken.
To say that an action or behavior is not morally correct.
Literally 'not right/correct'. Can be used for both factual and moral incorrectness.
嘘をつくのは正しくない。
It is not right to lie.
Also used for moral wrongness, though it's more common for factual errors.
人を傷つけるのは間違っている。
It is wrong to hurt people.
To say that a method, process, or action does not follow the correct rules or standards.
Works for procedures as well.
この手順は正しくない。
This procedure is incorrect.
Specifically means 'against the rules'.
そのやり方はルールに反している。
That method is against the rules.
間違っている is the standard way to say 'is incorrect'. 違う literally means 'different', but in casual conversation it is often used to mean 'that's wrong'. However, 違う can sound blunt or childish in formal situations.
それは間違っています。
That is incorrect. (polite)
違うよ！
That's wrong! (casual)
Avoid directly translating 'be incorrect' as 不正確である (ふせいかくである). While it means 'inaccurate', it is not commonly used in everyday speech and sounds overly technical.