Translation guide
How to express that someone has a mistaken understanding, belief, or impression in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether it's a simple misunderstanding, a delusion, or a mistaken assumption.
To say that someone has understood something incorrectly or holds a false belief.
The most common and neutral word for 'misunderstanding' or 'wrong idea'. It implies an incorrect interpretation of facts or intentions.
That's a misunderstanding.
He got the wrong idea about what I said.
A very common, slightly casual word for 'mistake' or 'wrong idea' due to a mix-up or misreading of a situation. Often used for personal blunders.
To express that someone has a belief that is not only wrong but also disconnected from reality, often in a psychological or emphatic sense.
Means 'delusion' or 'fantasy'. Used for beliefs that are clearly false and often pathological, but also casually for wild, unrealistic ideas.
That's just a delusion (a completely wrong idea).
Means 'illusion' or 'misperception', often sensory. Can be used for a wrong idea based on a false perception.
To point out that the basis of someone's thinking is wrong.
Means 'off the mark' or 'barking up the wrong tree'. Used when someone's guess, assumption, or direction of thought is completely wrong.
You've got the wrong idea (your thinking is off the mark).
Means 'off the point' or 'irrelevant'. Used when an idea or comment misses the main issue.
To informally tell someone they have misunderstood the situation or your intentions.
誤解 is the most general and neutral for 'misunderstanding'. 勘違い is more casual and implies a personal slip-up or mix-up. 思い違い is slightly more formal and emphasizes a mistaken belief or assumption. In many everyday situations, 勘違い is the most natural choice for 'I had the wrong idea'.
a remark that causes misunderstanding
Sorry, I got the wrong idea.
That was my mistaken assumption.
The direct translation '間違った考え' (machigatta kangae) is grammatical but sounds unnatural and stiff. Use the words above instead to sound more natural.
I had the wrong idea about the date.
You've got the wrong idea.
Literally 'thought-mistake', meaning a wrong assumption or mistaken belief. Slightly more formal than 勘違い.
That was my mistake (I had the wrong idea).
She has the delusion that she is a celebrity.
それは錯覚に過ぎない。
That's nothing more than an illusion (a wrong idea).
That question is based on a wrong assumption.
His opinion is off the mark (based on a wrong idea).