ichidan verb, transitive verb
Transitive verb for deliberately changing or altering something. Less common than 変える (かえる) in modern Japanese; often used in formal or written contexts.
規則を違える必要はない。
There is no need to change the rules.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
Used when one confuses or mixes up things, or does something incorrectly. Often seen in the phrase 約束を違える (fail to keep a promise), but that is covered in sense 3.
道を違えてしまった。
I took the wrong road.
計算を違えた。
I made a mistake in the calculation.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
fail to keep (a promise); break (an appointment)
Used specifically for failing to honor a promise, agreement, or appointment. Cross-referenced with たがえる, which is more common for this meaning.
彼は約束を違えた。
He broke his promise.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
sprain; dislocate
Used for injuring a joint or muscle by twisting or straining. Common with body parts like 足首 (ankle) or 首 (neck).
階段で足首を違えた。
I sprained my ankle on the stairs.
首を違えて痛い。
I dislocated my neck and it hurts.