Translation guide
How to express a minor writing mistake in Japanese, from typos to using the wrong character.
The writer accidentally wrote the wrong character or spelling.
General term for a writing mistake, including typos and misspellings. Natural and common.
レポートに書き間違いがいくつかあった。
There were a few slips of the pen in the report.
The writer used a kanji with the same reading but different meaning by mistake.
A wrong character; specifically a kanji error. Very common in discussions of writing mistakes.
A minor, unintentional error due to carelessness.
書き間違い is the most general and everyday term for any writing mistake. 誤字 specifically means a wrong character (usually kanji). 誤記 is formal and often used for errors in official records or data.
手紙に書き間違いがあった。
There was a slip of the pen in the letter.
誤字を訂正する。
Correct a wrong character.
報告書の誤記を修正する。
Fix a slip of the pen in the report.
Formal term for a writing error, often used in official documents or data entry.
申請書に誤記がありました。
There was a slip of the pen on the application form.
A mistake made while writing, often implying a ruined attempt (e.g., in calligraphy).
書き損じの手紙を捨てた。
I threw away the letter with a slip of the pen.
この文章には誤字が多い。
This text has many slips of the pen.
Specifically a mistake in using phonetic kanji (ateji).
当て字の間違いで意味が通じなかった。
The meaning didn't get across because of a slip of the pen with ateji.
A careless mistake; very common in casual and business contexts. Can refer to writing or other actions.
うっかりミスで名前を間違えた。
I made a slip of the pen and wrote the wrong name.
Loanword from English 'careless mistake'. Often used in test-taking or work contexts.
テストでケアレスミスをした。
I made a slip of the pen on the test.
You can also use the verb 書き間違える (かきまちがえる) to say 'make a slip of the pen'.
住所を書き間違えた。
I made a slip of the pen with the address.
You can also use the verb 書き間違える (かきまちがえる) to say 'make a slip of the pen'.
住所を書き間違えた。
I made a slip of the pen with the address.