also: ゆきちがい
crossing without meeting; going astray
Describes two things (letters, people, messages) that pass each other without connecting, or something that goes to the wrong place. Often used in the phrase 行き違いになる.
Our letters crossed in the mail.
I missed him because we passed each other without meeting.
misunderstanding; disagreement; estrangement
Refers to a failure in communication or a clash of opinions that leads to a rift. Commonly used in interpersonal contexts.
A small misunderstanding led to a fight.
A disagreement arose between the two of them.
It seems our letters crossed in the mail.
A misunderstanding arose between the two of them.
We talked it out and resolved the misunderstanding.
There was a misunderstanding with my boss, so things are a bit awkward.
Less common variant without the き okurigana; still encountered but not preferred.