Translation guide
How to talk about errors in written text, from typos to factual mistakes.
There were a few typos in the report.
Specifically a wrong character or letter. Often used for kanji mistakes, but can apply to any script.
This kanji is often written incorrectly.
Typo (loanword from English). Very common in casual and business settings for typing errors.
I fixed a typo in the email.
Formal term for a clerical or writing error, often used in official documents or reports.
There was a mistake in the application form.
A mistake in the information itself, not just a slip of the pen.
Broad term for any mistake. In writing contexts, it covers factual errors, wrong word choices, etc.
There was a mistake in the article, so I will correct it.
More formal than 間違い. Often used in written corrections or official statements.
Casual loanword for 'mistake'. Very common in spoken Japanese and informal writing.
An error in grammar, word usage, or expression when writing.
書き間違い is a general slip in writing, 誤字 specifically means a wrong character, and タイプミス is a typo from typing. Use 書き間違い for handwritten errors or when the cause is unclear, 誤字 for character-level mistakes, and タイプミス for keyboard errors.
ミス is casual. In formal documents or business writing, prefer 間違い or 誤り.
報告書に誤りが見つかった。
An error was found in the report.
This document has too many mistakes.
I think this part has a phrasing mistake.