Translation and Meaning of: 違える - chigaeru

The Japanese word 違える [ちがえる] is a verb that carries interesting nuances and everyday uses in the language. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and application of this term, this article will explore everything from its translation to cultural contexts. Let's understand how 違える differs from similar words, its origin, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

Furthermore, we will see how this word appears in everyday situations and why it is relevant for those who want to master Japanese. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides detailed information on terms like this, helping students avoid common misunderstandings. Let's dive into the details of 違える and discover how to use it correctly.

Meaning and usage of 違える

The verb 違える [ちがえる] can be translated as "to err," "to differentiate," or "to confuse," depending on the context. It is often used when someone makes a mistake or when there is a distinction between similar things. For example, if you exchange two similar objects, you can say that you 違えた (made an error).

Another common use is in situations where there is a divergence of opinion or fact. In this case, 違える conveys the idea of something that does not align with what is expected. It's important to remember that this word should not be confused with 違う [ちがう], which has a more general meaning of "being different." While 違う is broader, 違える tends to appear in more specific contexts of error or deviation.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 違 consists of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) combined with 韋 (worked leather). Originally, this character conveyed the idea of "diverting" or "not following the expected path." This notion of deviation or error remains in the current meaning of 違える, reinforcing the idea of something that has strayed from the norm.

Interestingly, the same kanji appears in other words like 間違える [まちがえる] (to make a mistake) and 違反 [いはん] (violation). Studying these related terms can aid in memorization, as they share the same conceptual root. Etymology shows how Japanese often constructs meanings from the visual and historical components of the kanji.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 違える is to associate it with situations where there is confusion between similar items. For example, imagine that you picked up the wrong umbrella because it looked very much like yours. This mental scene helps to embed the contextual meaning of the word. Another tip is to create simple sentences like 道を違えた (I took the wrong path) to practice.

Furthermore, paying attention to the auxiliary verb that accompanies 違える can prevent grammatical errors. Unlike 違う, which often appears alone, 違える usually requires a direct object or complement. Observing these details makes all the difference in learning and using Japanese naturally in everyday life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 異なる (kotonaru) - Different, distinct
• 差異を生じる (sai o shoujiru) - Generate differences, cause discrepancies
• 相違する (soui suru) - Be different, diverge (emphasizes the comparison between two or more elements)
• 不一致となる (fuicchi to naru) - Become incompatible, not to match
• 異なった形に変える (kotonatta katachi ni kaeru) - Change to a different form

違える

Romaji: chigaeru
Kana: ちがえる
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: change

Meaning in English: to change

Definition: Make a mistake, make a mistake

Example Sentences - (違える) chigaeru

See below some example sentences:

違えることは人間らしいことだ。

Chigae ru koto wa ningen rashii koto da

Making mistakes is human.

Different is human.

• 違えること - action of making mistakes or failures
• は - Topic particle
• 人間らしいこと - typical human behavior
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

間違えることは人間らしい。

Machigaeru koto wa ningen rashii

To err is human.

It seems human to make a mistake.

• 間違える - verb that means "to err"
• こと - noun that means "thing"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 人間 - noun that means "human being"
• らしい - suffix that indicates "seems to be" or "characteristic of"