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.
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.
To indicate that something is wrong in the sense of being abnormal, problematic, or not as it should be.
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.
To express that something is wrong in a vague or idiomatic way.
Means 'something seems off' or 'there's something strange about it'.
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.
That's wrong.
No, I think that's wrong.
That information may be incorrect.
Means 'strange', 'odd', or 'not right'. Used when something seems off or suspicious.
The machine is acting up. (Something is wrong with the machine.)
He's acting strange. (Something is wrong with him.)
Literally 'something is strange/off'. A direct way to say 'something is wrong'.
I thought something was wrong.
Used for machines, body condition, etc., meaning 'not in good condition' or 'something is wrong with it'.
Something is wrong with my computer.
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.
It's wrong to lie.
Formal phrase meaning 'morally wrong'.
That is morally wrong.
Something is off today.
Literally 'the clouds look suspicious', meaning 'something is wrong' or 'trouble is brewing'.
Things are starting to look bad. (Something is going wrong.)