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.
あなたの答えは正しいです。
Your answer is correct.
この情報は正しいですか？
Is this information correct?
Literally 'it matches' or 'it is in agreement'. Very common in spoken Japanese to mean 'correct' or 'right', especially for answers or facts.
その答え、合ってるよ。
That answer is 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.
Emphasizes precision and exactness. Often used for measurements, data, or detailed information.
正確なデータが必要です。
We need correct (accurate) data.
To say that an action, decision, or behavior is morally correct or just.
Also used for moral correctness. Context makes the meaning clear.
彼の行動は正しかった。
His actions were correct (morally right).
Means 'just' or 'rightful', often used in legal or formal contexts.
To say that behavior, procedure, or manners are correct according to social norms or rules.
Means 'appropriate' or 'suitable'. Often used for correct behavior or responses in a given situation.
その場に適切な服装をしてください。
Please wear correct (appropriate) attire for the occasion.
彼の対応は適切だった。
His response was correct (appropriate).
Can also mean 'proper' in terms of manners or procedure.
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.
間違いを直してください。
Please correct the mistakes.
文章を直す。
To correct a sentence.
More formal, often used for revising documents, plans, or systems.
計画を修正する必要がある。
We need to correct (revise) the plan.
Specifically means 'to correct' errors in text, data, or statements. Common in official contexts.
誤りを訂正します。
I will correct the error.
Means 'to correct' a bad habit, deformity, or deviation. Often used for teeth straightening or behavior correction.
歯並びを矯正する。
To correct teeth alignment.
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.
テストの答えは全部正しかった。
All the test answers were correct.
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.
間違いを直す。
To correct a mistake.
この答えは正しいですか？
Is this answer correct?
私の日本語を直してください。
Please correct my Japanese.
それは正当な判断だ。
That is a correct (just) judgment.
正しい手順で行ってください。
Please do it in the correct procedure.
Specifically means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'. Used for correct behavior in social situations.
彼はとても礼儀正しい。
He is very correct (polite) in his manners.