Translation guide
The English word "wrong" covers a wide range of meanings, from factual errors and moral judgments to malfunctioning things and inappropriate choices. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each situation.
That's wrong (factual).
Something is wrong with the machine.
To say that something is factually incorrect, a mistake, or not right.
The most common and versatile way to say something is wrong or incorrect. It's the progressive form of 間違う (to make a mistake), so it literally means 'is mistaken'. Used for facts, answers, directions, etc.
That answer is wrong.
The map is wrong.
Literally means 'different', but very commonly used in casual speech to mean 'wrong' or 'no, that's not right'. Often used as a quick correction.
That's wrong.
No, no! That's not it.
A more formal and written way to say 'is erroneous'. Often used in official documents, news, or academic contexts.
That information is incorrect.
To express that an action or behavior is morally unacceptable, evil, or not right.
The basic word for 'bad' or 'wrong' in a moral sense. It's simple and widely used.
Lying is wrong.
He is in the wrong. / It's his fault.
The negative form of 良い (good), meaning 'not good'. A softer, often more conversational way to say something is wrong or not right.
It's wrong to hurt people.
Means 'injustice' or 'wrongdoing'. Used for more serious, often legal or systemic wrongs.
To right a wrong.
To say that a machine, device, or body part is not working correctly.
The standard way to say something is broken or out of order. Used for machines, electronics, vehicles, etc.
The air conditioner is broken. / Something is wrong with the AC.
Literally 'condition is bad'. A very common and natural way to say something is not working properly, or that you feel unwell. Less definitive than 'broken'.
Something is wrong with my computer.
My stomach is not right. / Something is wrong with my stomach.
Means 'strange' or 'funny'. Often used when something seems off or not working as expected, but you're not sure why.
Something is wrong with the TV picture.
To say that something is not the right thing for a situation, or not appropriate.
A polite and clear way to say something is not appropriate or suitable. Often used in formal settings.
That remark was wrong / inappropriate.
Means 'out of place' or 'inappropriate for the occasion'. Often used for clothing, behavior, or comments.
Those clothes are wrong for this occasion.
A phrase meaning 'That's not the kind of thing you should say'. Used to scold someone for an inappropriate comment.
It's wrong to say things like that.
To indicate that someone has confused one person or thing for another.
A noun meaning 'mistaken identity'. Used when you mistake one person for another.
Sorry, I mistook you for someone else. (lit. It was a wrong person.)
A pattern meaning 'to do something by mistake'. Use with a verb to say you did the wrong thing.
I pressed the wrong button by mistake.
I took his umbrella by mistake.
To ask someone if they are upset, hurt, or if there is a problem.
To describe a situation or plan that does not proceed as expected and ends badly.
English uses 'wrong' in many set phrases and contexts. Japanese often uses different words depending on the nuance. Avoid trying to use one Japanese word for all meanings of 'wrong'.
That is a mistake. (Not 'That is wrong' in all contexts.)
間違っている is the standard way to say something is factually incorrect. 違う literally means 'different' and is used more casually to correct someone. Using 違う in formal writing to mean 'wrong' can sound too blunt.
The answer is wrong. (Neutral statement)
Wrong! / No! (Casual correction)