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.
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.
Literally 'thought-mistake', meaning a wrong assumption or mistaken belief. Slightly more formal than 勘違い.
To express that someone has a belief that is not only wrong but also disconnected from reality, often in a psychological or emphatic sense.
To point out that the basis of someone's thinking is wrong.
To informally tell someone they have misunderstood the situation or your intentions.
Literally 'don't misunderstand'. A direct way to say 'don't get the wrong idea'.
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
He got the wrong idea about what I said.
I had the wrong idea about the date.
You've got the wrong idea.
That was my mistake (I had the wrong idea).
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).
She has the delusion that she is a celebrity.
Means 'illusion' or 'misperception', often sensory. Can be used for a wrong idea based on a false perception.
That's nothing more than an illusion (a wrong idea).
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).
That question is based on a wrong assumption.
Means 'off the point' or 'irrelevant'. Used when an idea or comment misses the main issue.
His opinion is off the mark (based on a wrong idea).
I don't want you to get the wrong idea, but...
Means 'don't take it the wrong way' or 'don't get a weird idea'. Very natural in casual conversation.
Don't get the wrong idea, okay?
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.