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.
それは誤解です。
That's a misunderstanding.
彼は私の言ったことを誤解した。
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.
日付を勘違いしてた。
I had the wrong idea about the date.
それは勘違いだよ。
You've got the wrong idea.
Literally 'thought-mistake', meaning a wrong assumption or mistaken belief. Slightly more formal than 勘違い.
それは私の思い違いでした。
That was my mistake (I had the wrong idea).
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.
それはただの妄想だ。
That's just a delusion (a completely wrong idea).
彼女は自分が有名人だという妄想を抱いている。
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.
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.
君の考えは見当違いだ。
You've got the wrong idea (your thinking is off the mark).
それは見当違いの質問だ。
That question is based on a wrong assumption.
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.
Literally 'don't misunderstand'. A direct way to say 'don't get the wrong idea'.
誤解しないでほしいんだけど。
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.
変な風に取らないでね。
Don't get the wrong idea, okay?
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'.
誤解を招く発言
a remark that causes misunderstanding
勘違いしてごめん。
Sorry, I got the wrong idea.
それは私の思い違いでした。
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.
それは錯覚に過ぎない。
That's nothing more than an illusion (a wrong idea).
彼の意見は的外れだ。
His opinion is off the mark (based on a wrong idea).