Translation guide
The English verb 'differ' has two main uses: to be different from something else, and to disagree with someone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings, from common everyday phrases to more formal or written options.
Expressing that two or more things are not the same, or that something is different from another.
Our opinions differ.
These two documents differ in content.
More formal than 違う, often used in writing or official contexts. Emphasizes a clear distinction.
The results differed from expectations.
On this point, the views of the two parties differ.
Pattern for 'differ from ~'. Attach the thing being compared to と.
My idea differs from his.
Formal pattern for 'differ from ~'.
This product differs from conventional ones.
Very formal, often used in legal or technical documents. Noun form 相違 (difference) is more common.
There is a difference between the two claims.
Expressing that people have different opinions or do not agree.
違う (chigau) is the everyday word for 'differ' or 'be different'. 異なる (kotonaru) is more formal and often used in writing. In casual speech, 違う is almost always preferred.
A and B are different. (casual/neutral)
A and B differ. (formal/written)
Saying 違います (chigaimasu) to mean 'I disagree' can sound blunt. It's often better to soften it with phrases like そうかもしれませんが… (That may be so, but…) or use 意見が違います (Our opinions differ).
Experts differ on this matter.
He differed with the proposal.