違い
Meanings
difference; distinction; discrepancy
General word for difference, distinction, or gap between things. Used in comparisons, contrasts, and to point out discrepancies.
Can you see the difference between these two pictures?
Even if there are differences of opinion, we can resolve them through discussion.
Used when something is wrong or a mistake has been made. Often appears in set phrases like 違いを正す (correct an error) or 計算違い (miscalculation).
There was a mistake in the calculation, so I redid it.
I feel there is something wrong with his explanation.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉と〈物〉の違いthe difference between A and B
What is the difference between dogs and cats?
- 違いを正すto correct an error
I corrected the errors in the report before submitting it.
- 違いがあるthere is a difference
There is a big difference between these two products.
- 違いを説明するto explain the difference
The teacher explained the difference between the two theories.
- 違いに気づくto notice a difference
Looking at the photo, I noticed the difference between their faces.