Translation and Meaning of: 間違う - machigau

The Japanese word 「間違う」 (machigau) is commonly used in the context of mistakes or errors. Its etymology relates to two distinct but complementary parts: the first character, 「間」 (ma), means "space" or "between," while the second character, 「違」 (chigau), means "different" or "to differ." Together, they convey the idea of something that is out of place or incorrect in relation to what is expected.

The verb 「間違う」 refers to the act of making a mistake or being mistaken. It can be applied in various everyday situations, from small lapses of memory to more significant errors. Additionally, the word carries important cultural nuances, reflecting the value that precision and correctness have within Japanese society. Recognizing a mistake and correcting a "machigau" is a desirable aspect that indicates responsibility and personal growth.

There are several variations of this expression that are used depending on the context. Some of them include:

• 「間違い」 (machigai) - noun that means "error" or "mistake".
• 「間違える」 (machigaeru) - transitive form of the verb, indicating a deliberate action of making a mistake about something.
• 「間違わない」 (machigawanai) - negative form indicating the absence of error.

The study of this word not only sheds light on linguistic aspects of Japanese but also offers insights into how the Japanese view the concept of error itself—the acceptability of mistakes as a natural and inevitable part of the human experience. In many contexts, itting a mistake is not seen merely as a personal responsibility, but as a dignified and courageous stance.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 間違う

• 間違う - base form
• 間違いました Polite past form
• 間違います - Present polite form
• 間違わない - negative form
• 間違えて - Te-form

Synonyms and similar words

• 誤る (ayamaru) - To err, to make a mistake.
• 誤った (ayamatta) - Wrong, you made a mistake.
• 誤解する (gokai suru) - To misinterpret, to have a misunderstanding.
• 誤解を招く (gokai o maneku) - Cause a misunderstanding, lead to a wrong interpretation.
• 誤りを犯す (ayamari o okasu) - To make a mistake, to make a failure.
• 誤解を生じる (gokai o shoujiru) - Cause confusion, generate a misunderstanding.
• 誤解を与える (gokai o ataeru) - Cause misinterpretation, give a wrong impression.
• 誤りをする (ayamari o suru) - Make a mistake, commit an error.
• 誤解を抱く (gokai o daku) - To have a misunderstanding, to nurture a wrong idea.
• 誤りを認める (ayamari o mitomeru) - Recognizing a mistake, itting a failure.
• 誤解を解く (gokai o toku) - Clarify a misunderstanding, resolve a confusion.
• 誤解を招いた (gokai o manaita) - Caused a misunderstanding (in the past).
• 誤りを指摘する (ayamari o shiteki suru) - Point out an error, indicate a failure.
• 誤解を招く原因となる (gokai o maneku gen'in to naru) - Be the cause of a misunderstanding.
• 誤解を招く表現をする (gokai o maneku hyougen o suru) - Use an expression that leads to a misunderstanding.
• 誤解を招くような言い方をする (gokai o maneku you na iikata o suru) - Make a statement that could cause a misunderstanding.