Translation and Meaning of: 過ち - ayamachi

Have you ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of a grave mistake, something that goes beyond a simple error? The word 過ち (あやまち) carries a unique weight, representing failures with more serious consequences, almost like a moral slip. In this article, we will deeply explore this expression — from its intriguing etymology to its usage in everyday Japanese. If you are here seeking the meaning, the correct writing, or practical examples to include in your Anki, know that this word has nuances that go far beyond the literal translation.

The kanji 過ち already reveals part of the story: it combines the radical for "to pass" (過) with the suffix that indicates action, suggesting something that has "gone over the limit." But is that all? Discover how this word appears in formal contexts, in everyday conversations, and even in fixed expressions that every Japanese language student should know. And if you've stumbled trying to memorize complex kanjis, don't worry — we will unveil tricks to never forget this writing again.

The Origin and Structure of the Kanji 過ち

The kanji 過 is composed of two crucial elements: the radical 辶 (which indicates movement, as in 道) and the component 咼 (which conveys the idea of curvature or deviation). Together, they paint the image of "crossing beyond what is right," like someone who strays from a straight line and makes a detour. It's no coincidence that this same character appears in words like 過去 (past) and 過剰 (excess), always with this notion of exceeding a limit.

When transformed into 過ち, the term takes on a more personal tone — it's not just any mistake, but one that leaves marks. Compare it with 間違い (a casual error) or 失敗 (a technical failure), and you'll feel the difference in weight. A curiosity? Even the related verb 過ごす (to pass time) retains this idea of "letting something flow beyond", showing how the semantic root remains coherent.

When Japanese People Use あやまち in Their Daily Lives

In Japanese dramas, you may have heard phrases like 過ちを犯す (to make a grave mistake) in scenes of confession or regret. This is the typical territory of the word: situations where there is a moral judgment involved, such as betrayals, impulsive decisions, or acts that hurt others. A boss might use 過ち when admitting a miscalculation that cost millions to the company, but would hardly use it for a typing error.

Another common context is in public speeches or opinion articles, especially when talking about "historical errors." The expression 歴史的過ち (historical error) often appears in debates about wars or failed policies. And here’s a practical tip: if you want to sound natural, reserve あやまち for situations that require reflection — using it instead of "silly mistake" would sound as strange as calling a scratch a "serious injury."

Infallible Techniques to Memorize 過ち

Do you want to memorize this kanji? Imagine a scene: you are driving (the radical 辶) and, distracted, exceed the speed limit (過), committing a serious violation (過ち). This little visual story helps to fix both the writing and the meaning. Another trick is to associate the curved stroke of the component 咼 with a winding line — precisely the "diverted path" that leads to the mistake.

To practice, create flashcards with real sentences: He admitted the mistake (彼は過ちを認めた) or learn from mistakes (過ちから学ぶ). Apps like Anki allow you to add native audio — essential for getting the right intonation, as あやまち has a slower and heavier cadence than まちがい. And when you encounter this word in manga or news, note the context: this is the best way to internalize when (and when not) to use it.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 誤り (ayamari) - Error, mistake, failure
• ミス (misu) - Error, failure (usually more colloquial)
• ミステイク (misutēku) - Error (influenced by English, used in informal contexts)
• エラー (erā) - Error (commonly used in technical or computing contexts)

過ち

Romaji: ayamachi
Kana: あやまち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: failure; error; indiscretion

Meaning in English: fault;error;indiscretion

Definition: Errors and mistakes.

Example Sentences - (過ち) ayamachi

See below some example sentences:

私は自分の過ちを認めます。

Watashi wa jibun no ayamachi o mitomemasu

I recognize my mistakes.

I admit my mistakes.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 自分 - reflexive pronoun that means "oneself"
• の - possessive particle indicating possession of something
• 過ち - noun meaning "error" or "failure"
• を - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 認めます - Verb that means "recognize" or "admit"

私たちは過去の過ちを打ち消すことができます。

Watashitachi wa kako no ayamachi o uchikesu koto ga dekimasu

We can erase our past mistakes.

We can cancel past mistakes.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 過去の過ちを - "Mistakes of the past" in Japanese
• 打ち消す - "Cancel" in Japanese
• ことが - Particle that indicates that the sentence continues
• できます - "Can be done" in Japanese