Translation guide
A mistake in action or judgment, or a literal stumble while walking.
To express making a mistake, especially a minor or careless one in a plan, decision, or action.
General word for mistake or failure. Can be used for any kind of misstep, from small errors to major blunders.
それは大きな失敗だった。
That was a big misstep.
失敗から学ぶことが大切だ。
It's important to learn from your missteps.
Casual, common word for a mistake or slip-up. Often used for minor errors in work or daily life.
ちょっとしたミスでやり直しになった。
A small misstep meant we had to redo it.
A more formal or literary term for a mistake, often implying moral error or regret.
Verb meaning 'to make a mistake' or 'to get wrong'. Used for errors in choice or action.
Slangy verb meaning to mess up or fail. Implies a blunder with consequences.
To describe physically losing one's footing or taking a wrong step while walking.
Literally 'to miss one's footing'. The most direct equivalent for a physical misstep, like stepping off a curb or missing a stair.
階段で足を踏み外して転んだ。
I took a misstep on the stairs and fell.
失敗 is a broader term for failure or mistake, while ミス is more casual and often implies a small slip-up. Use 失敗 for serious missteps and ミス for everyday errors.
プロジェクトの失敗は会社に大きな損害を与えた。
The project's failure caused huge losses for the company.
書類にミスがあった。
There was a mistake in the documents.
Do not use 足を踏み外す to mean a figurative misstep (e.g., a career mistake). It only refers to physical stumbling. Use 失敗 or ミス for figurative errors.
He didn't admit his misstep.
若気の至りで過ちを犯した。
I made a misstep due to youthful indiscretion.
道を間違えてしまった。
I took a misstep and went the wrong way.
判断を間違えた。
I made a misstep in judgment.
試験をしくじった。
I messed up the exam.
It was dark and I almost took a misstep.
To stumble or trip over something. Focuses on the result of a misstep rather than the action of stepping wrongly.
石につまずいて転びそうになった。
I stumbled on a stone and almost fell.
To fail to step properly; a more formal or literary way to say 'misstep' physically.
彼は縁石を踏み損なってよろけた。
He misstepped on the curb and staggered.