Translation and Meaning of: 間違い - machigai

The Japanese word 「間違い」 (machigai) means "error" or "mistake." The formation of this word is quite interesting, composed of the kanji 「間」 (ma) and 「違い」 (chigai). The kanji 「間」 refers to "interval" or "space," while 「違い」 comes from the verb 「違う」 (chigau), meaning "to differ" or "to be different." Together, these nuances create the idea of something that is out of place or does not match expectations, resulting in the concept of "error."

The origin of the word is deeply rooted in the Japanese language and is often used in everyday life. It describes both small errors, like a typo, and larger misconceptions, like a failure in an important project. The flexibility of the term reflects how the Japanese language handles different levels of severity in its terminology, adapting to the context. Additionally, 「間違い」 is a word that resonates with the idea of learning through mistakes, a concept valued in Japanese culture.

Variations and Connections

• 「間違える」 (machigaeru): This is the corresponding verb, meaning "to make a mistake."
• "間違いない" (machigai nai): An expression of certainty, translated as "without a doubt" or "certainly."
• "間違い探し" (machigai sagashi): A popular game or activity that involves finding differences or mistakes in similar images.

The etymology of 「間違い」 reveals more than just the simple composition of its kanji. The radical 「間」 is associated with the concept of time and space, while 「違」 is connected to meanings of deviation or divergence. This not only demonstrates the complexity of the Japanese language but also reflects the importance of perceiving mistakes as deviations on a standard path, a perspective that often encourages careful and attentive correction, both in personal and professional contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 誤り (ayamari) - Error; mistake.
• ミス (misu) - Error; mistake, commonly used in informal contexts.
• エラー (erā) - Error; failure, commonly used in technical or computing contexts.

間違い

Romaji: machigai
Kana: まちがい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: error

Meaning in English: mistake

Definition: With the aim of reflecting more accurately, we provide a concise definition from the Japanese dictionary: 1. Dictionary: A book that explains the meaning and use of words and phrases.

Example Sentences - (間違い) machigai

See below some example sentences:

間違いを犯さないように注意してください。

Machigai wo okasanai you ni chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful not to make mistakes.

Be careful not to make mistakes.

• 間違い (Machigai) - error
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the object of the sentence
• 犯さない (okasanai) - don't commit
• ように (youni) - Expression that indicates a purpose or objective
• 注意 (chuui) - Attention
• してください (shite kudasai) - Please, do it.

私は間違いを戻す必要がある。

Watashi wa machigai o modosu hitsuyō ga aru

I need to undo a mistake.

I need to make a mistake.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 間違い (machigai) - means "mistake" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 戻す (modosu) - means "return" in Japanese
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - means "necessary" or "essential" in Japanese
• が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
• ある (aru) - verb meaning "to exist" in Japanese