Translation guide
How to express accidentally saying something unintended in Japanese, from minor verbal mistakes to revealing secrets.
The speaker accidentally says the wrong word, mispronounces something, or makes a simple speech error.
A general, natural verb for making a verbal mistake, such as using the wrong word or mispronouncing something.
The speaker unintentionally says something that was meant to be kept hidden, or blurts out an honest thought.
言い間違える is for simple speech errors like mispronouncing a word or mixing up terms. 口が滑る is for accidentally saying something you shouldn't have, like a secret or an honest opinion. Use 言い間違える for mistakes in language, and 口が滑る for mistakes in content.
I made a slip of the tongue and said 'arigato' instead of 'arigatou'.
I was nervous and made a slip of the tongue with the name.
To fail to say something correctly; often implies a mistake in wording or a slip that changes the intended meaning.
I made a slip of the tongue at a crucial point and was misunderstood.
Literally 'the mouth slips'; used when you accidentally say something you shouldn't have, often revealing a secret or true feeling.
I made a slip of the tongue and ended up telling about the surprise.
A formal term for a verbal gaffe or indiscreet remark, often with social consequences. Used in news or serious contexts.
The minister made a slip of the tongue and it became an issue.
The most common way to say you let something slip. Emphasizes the involuntary nature of the utterance.
I made a slip of the tongue and revealed the secret to him.
To say something carelessly or without thinking. Often used for minor slips or accidental remarks.
I made a slip of the tongue, but it was actually a secret.
To unintentionally say something that was on your mind; often used for honest thoughts that slip out.
My true feelings made a slip of the tongue.
To leak (information); often used when a secret is accidentally disclosed. Can be combined with うっかり or 口を滑らせて.
He made a slip of the tongue and leaked the secret.
I made a slip of the tongue and said her age.
The literal translation '舌の滑りを作る' does not exist in Japanese. Avoid direct translation. Use the phrases above depending on the type of slip.
We don't say 'make a slip of the tongue' literally.