Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mistake" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mistake", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
間違い
まちがい (machigai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
過ち
あやまち (ayamachi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mistake" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 間違い and 過ち.
In Japanese, 間違い (まちがい (machigai)) is typically associated with "mistake; error" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can refer to a physical error or an incorrect understanding. Often used with がある.
On the other hand, 過ち (あやまち (ayamachi)) maps to "mistake, error, fault, wrongdoing" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A somewhat formal or literary word for a mistake or error, often implying a moral fault or serious misjudgment, not just a simple oversight.. A literal translation of "mistake" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "間違い"
テストで間違いがいくつかありました。
There were a few mistakes on the test.
Bilingual Context for "過ち"
自分の過ちを認め、謝罪した。
He admitted his mistake and apologized.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "テストで ＿＿＿ がいくつかありました。" (Meaning: "There were a few mistakes on the test.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "間違い" fits here because it means "mistake; error" in the context of: "There were a few mistakes on the test.". "過ち" represents "mistake, error, fault, wrongdoing".