Translation guide
How to express 'misread' in Japanese, covering reading errors, misinterpretation of situations, and misreading people's feelings.
To read a word, character, or text incorrectly, often due to a mistake in pronunciation or recognition.
The most common and general verb for misreading something written. It can refer to misreading a kanji, a number, or a sentence.
漢字を読み間違えた。
I misread the kanji.
数字を読み間違えて、違う部屋に行ってしまった。
I misread the number and ended up going to the wrong room.
A slightly more formal or literary synonym for 読み間違える. Often used in written contexts.
古文書の文字を読み誤った。
I misread the characters in the old document.
Literally 'mis-see', but can be used when you misread something because you saw it incorrectly. More about visual mistake than reading comprehension.
「未」を「末」と見間違えた。
I misread 'mi' as 'matsu' (because they look similar).
To misunderstand a situation, someone's intentions, or a non-verbal cue.
General verb for misunderstanding or misinterpreting. Can be used for misreading a situation or someone's words.
彼の沈黙を怒っていると誤解した。
I misread his silence as anger.
状況を誤解していたようだ。
It seems I misread the situation.
To misjudge or misread a situation, often by failing to grasp the true nature. Slightly formal.
To get the wrong idea, to mistake something. More casual than 誤解する. Often used for personal assumptions.
彼女が手を振ったのを、こっちに来いという意味だと勘違いした。
I misread her waving as a sign to come over.
To incorrectly guess what someone is thinking or feeling.
Directly means 'misread feelings'. Natural and commonly understood.
彼の気持ちを読み間違えて、告白するタイミングを逃した。
I misread his feelings and missed the chance to confess.
Literally 'can't read someone's heart/mind'. Often used when someone is hard to read.
彼は無表情で、心を読めない。
He's expressionless; I can't read his mind.
To misread someone's thoughts or intentions.
上司の考えを読み違えて、企画が通らなかった。
I misread my boss's thoughts and the plan wasn't approved.
情勢を見誤ると大変なことになる。
If you misread the situation, things could get serious.