過あやまち

あ

や

ま

ち

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

noun

fault; error; indiscretion; faux pas

Refers to a mistake, wrongdoing, or moral failing. Often used in formal or reflective contexts, such as admitting one's own error or discussing a lapse in judgment.

自じ分ぶんの過あやまちを認みとめるのは勇ゆう気きがいる。
It takes courage to admit one's own mistakes.

彼かれは若わかい頃ころの過あやまちを後こう悔かいしている。

He regrets the indiscretions of his youth.

Written forms

過あやまちUsage81%
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form.
あやまちUsage16%
誤あやまちUsage3%
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form; 過ち is strongly preferred.
アヤマチUsage<1%

Kanji

過overdo, exceed, go beyond
誤mistake, err, do wrong

Similar words

間ま違ちがい
間違い is a general word for a mistake or error, often used in everyday situations. 過ち carries a heavier, more moral or personal-failing nuance, and is more common in formal or literary contexts.
失しっ敗ぱい
失敗 refers to a failure or unsuccessful attempt, often with a focus on the outcome. 過ち emphasizes the fault or error itself, especially in terms of personal responsibility.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 過つ (あやまつ, 'to err'). The kanji 過 means 'exceed' or 'go too far', reflecting the sense of a misstep or transgression.