Translation guide
Expresses a large or significant difference between things, situations, or amounts. Japanese uses various nouns, adjectives, and set phrases depending on whether the difference is in degree, quality, or quantity.
To say that two things are very different from each other in nature, level, or characteristics.
The most common and neutral way to say 'great difference'. 大きな (big) + 違い (difference). Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
この二つの製品には大きな違いがあります。
There is a great difference between these two products.
考え方に大きな違いがある。
There is a great difference in the way of thinking.
Literally 'big difference', often used in competitive contexts (sports, scores, elections) or when comparing numbers. More formal and written than 大きな違い.
彼は大差で選挙に勝った。
He won the election by a great difference.
両者の実力には大差がある。
There is a great difference in ability between the two.
Emphasizes a remarkable or striking difference, often in quality or level. 格段 means 'remarkable' or 'conspicuous'. Used in formal or written contexts.
新モデルは旧モデルと格段の差がある。
The new model has a great difference from the old one.
To highlight a wide gap, often in terms of numbers, status, or economic conditions.
Similar to 大きな違い, but 差 specifically refers to a gap or margin, often measurable. Common in discussions of income, age, or performance.
貧富の差が大きな差になっている。
The gap between rich and poor has become a great difference.
年齢の大きな差は問題にならない。
A great difference in age is not a problem.
Refers to a disparity or differential, often in social or economic contexts (income gap, educational gap). Formal and commonly used in news and reports.
To express that two things are fundamentally or entirely different, not just in degree.
Means 'completely different'. 全く (entirely) + 違う (differ). Natural in conversation when the difference is qualitative.
この二つの文化は全く違う。
These two cultures are completely different.
Literally 'a different thing', used to say something is so different it's practically another thing altogether. Casual and emphatic.
彼の新作は前作とは別物だ。
His new work is a great difference from his previous one.
違い is a general word for difference (qualitative or quantitative). 差 is more about a measurable gap or margin. Use 違い for abstract differences, 差 for numerical or status gaps.
While 偉大な (great) can mean 'great' in the sense of 'magnificent', it is not used with 違い. Use 大きな or other intensifiers instead.
The economic disparity is widening.
教育格差は大きな問題だ。
The educational gap is a great difference.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'a world of difference' or 'as different as clouds and mud'. Used for stark contrasts in quality or ability. Literary and emphatic.
彼の絵と私の絵では雲泥の差がある。
There is a great difference between his paintings and mine.