Translation guide
How to express that someone is wrong about a fact, belief, or assumption in Japanese. The most natural expressions depend on whether you are talking about yourself, someone else, or a general statement.
Expressing that a person holds an incorrect belief or has made an error in understanding.
The most common and neutral way to say someone is mistaken. It literally means 'is wrong/incorrect'. Can be used for oneself or others.
I think that's mistaken.
His explanation is mistaken.
Specifically means 'misunderstanding' or 'getting the wrong idea'. Very natural for everyday mistakes in perception or assumption.
Sorry, I was mistaken.
Similar to 勘違い, but emphasizes a mistaken belief or assumption. Slightly more formal/literary.
That is a mistaken notion.
Politely acknowledging that you were wrong or made an error.
Standard polite way to say 'I was mistaken'. Use 私が to emphasize it was your error.
Telling another person they are wrong without being too direct or rude.
Softens the statement by turning it into a suggestion. Literally 'Isn't it that...?' Use after a plain form clause.
Confusing one person or thing for another.
The English passive 'be mistaken' does not translate directly into a passive Japanese form. Instead, use active expressions like 間違っている or 勘違いしている. Saying 間違えられる would mean 'can be mistaken' or 'is mistakable', not 'is wrong'.
間違う (intransitive) and 間違える (transitive) are momentary verbs meaning 'to make a mistake'. 間違っている is the stative result ('is wrong'). To say 'I am mistaken', use 間違っている, not 間違った.
I made a mistake on the answer.
She is mistaken about the date.
I'm sorry, I was mistaken.
Casual and common way to admit a misunderstanding. Often used with すみません.
Oh, I was mistaken. Sorry.
More formal admission of a mistaken belief. Suitable for business or serious contexts.
That was my mistake. I apologize.
I think you might be mistaken about that.
Very polite and indirect. 'I suspect it might be a mistake.' Often used in business emails.
I believe there may be a mistake; could you please check?
Noun meaning 'mistaken identity' for a person. Often used with する.
Sorry, I mistook you for someone else.
Verb meaning 'to mis-see', i.e., to mistake something visually.
I mistook him for someone else.
答えが間違っている。
The answer is wrong.