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.
There were a few slips of the pen in the report.
Formal term for a writing error, often used in official documents or data entry.
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).
I threw away the letter with a slip of the pen.
The writer used a kanji with the same reading but different meaning by mistake.
A minor, unintentional error due to carelessness.
A careless mistake; very common in casual and business contexts. Can refer to writing or other actions.
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.
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.
There was a slip of the pen in the letter.
Correct a wrong character.
Fix a slip of the pen in the report.
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'.
I made a slip of the pen with the address.
The meaning didn't get across because of a slip of the pen with ateji.
I made a slip of the pen on the test.