Translation guide
The English word "correct" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean factually accurate, morally right, proper in behavior, or the action of fixing mistakes.
To say that information, an answer, or a statement is correct (free from errors).
The most common and general word for 'correct' in the sense of being accurate, right, or true. Used for facts, answers, and moral correctness.
Your answer is correct.
Literally 'it matches' or 'it is in agreement'. Very common in spoken Japanese to mean 'correct' or 'right', especially for answers or facts.
That answer is correct.
Emphasizes precision and exactness. Often used for measurements, data, or detailed information.
To say that an action, decision, or behavior is morally correct or just.
To say that behavior, procedure, or manners are correct according to social norms or rules.
To express the action of correcting mistakes, errors, or faults.
General verb meaning 'to fix' or 'to correct'. Used for mistakes, broken things, habits, etc.
正しい is the standard word for 'correct' and can be used in both formal and informal situations. 合っている is more colloquial and literally means 'it matches', so it implies agreement with a standard or expected answer. Use 合っている in casual conversation when confirming an answer or fact.
All the test answers were correct.
Is this answer correct?
Is this information correct?
計算が合っているか確認してください。
Please check if the calculation is correct.
正確なデータが必要です。
We need correct (accurate) data.
Also used for moral correctness. Context makes the meaning clear.
His actions were correct (morally right).
Means 'just' or 'rightful', often used in legal or formal contexts.
That is a correct (just) judgment.
Means 'appropriate' or 'suitable'. Often used for correct behavior or responses in a given situation.
Please wear correct (appropriate) attire for the occasion.
His response was correct (appropriate).
Can also mean 'proper' in terms of manners or procedure.
Please do it in the correct procedure.
Specifically means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'. Used for correct behavior in social situations.
He is very correct (polite) in his manners.
Please correct the mistakes.
To correct a sentence.
More formal, often used for revising documents, plans, or systems.
We need to correct (revise) the plan.
Specifically means 'to correct' errors in text, data, or statements. Common in official contexts.
I will correct the error.
Means 'to correct' a bad habit, deformity, or deviation. Often used for teeth straightening or behavior correction.
To correct teeth alignment.
うん、それで合ってるよ。
Yeah, that's correct.
The adjective 正しい means 'correct' as a state, not an action. To say 'to correct something', use verbs like 直す, 修正する, or 訂正する. Using 正しい as a verb (e.g., 正しくする) is possible but less natural than using a dedicated verb.
To correct a mistake.
Please correct my Japanese.