Translation guide
How to express that something is wrong, incorrect, or not right in Japanese, depending on context and nuance.
To say that something is factually wrong, mistaken, or not correct.
The most common and natural way to say something is wrong or incorrect. It implies a mistake or error.
この答えは間違っている。
This answer is wrong.
What you're saying is wrong.
Means 'different' or 'wrong'. Often used in casual conversation to point out a mistake.
Formal or written expression meaning 'erroneous' or 'incorrect'. Used in official contexts.
その情報は誤っている可能性があります。
That information may be incorrect.
To indicate that something is wrong in the sense of being abnormal, problematic, or not as it should be.
Means 'strange', 'odd', or 'not right'. Used when something seems off or suspicious.
機械の調子がおかしい。
The machine is acting up. (Something is wrong with the machine.)
彼の様子がおかしい。
He's acting strange. (Something is wrong with him.)
Literally 'something is strange/off'. A direct way to say 'something is wrong'.
何かがおかしいと思った。
I thought something was wrong.
Used for machines, body condition, etc., meaning 'not in good condition' or 'something is wrong with it'.
パソコンの調子が悪い。
Something is wrong with my computer.
To express that something is morally wrong, unfair, or not right in a broader sense.
Means 'not good'. A simple and common way to say something is wrong or bad.
それは良くないことだ。
That's a bad thing. (That's wrong.)
Means 'not allowed', 'wrong', or 'bad'. Often used to scold or express that something shouldn't be done.
嘘をつくのはいけない。
It's wrong to lie.
Formal phrase meaning 'morally wrong'.
それは道徳的に間違っている。
That is morally wrong.
To express that something is wrong in a vague or idiomatic way.
Means 'something seems off' or 'there's something strange about it'.
今日は様子が変だ。
Something is off today.
Literally 'the clouds look suspicious', meaning 'something is wrong' or 'trouble is brewing'.
雲行きが怪しくなってきた。
Things are starting to look bad. (Something is going wrong.)
The phrase 'something wrong' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating word-for-word as '何か悪い' (nanika warui) is unnatural. Use context-appropriate expressions instead.
間違っている (machigatteiru) is the standard way to say 'wrong/incorrect'. 違う (chigau) means 'different' and is often used casually to mean 'wrong', but it can sound blunt. Use 間違っている for factual errors, and 違う for pointing out differences or casual corrections.