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Translation and Meaning of: 間違える - machigaeru

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 間違える (machigaeru) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: machigaeru

Kana: まちがえる

Type: verb

L: jlpt-n4

間違える

Translation / Meaning: err; to make a mistake

Meaning in English: to err;to make a mistake

Definition: To make thoughts or judgments that differ from the correct information or opinions.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (間違える) machigaeru

The Japanese word 「間違える」 (machigaeru) is a quite common term in the Japanese vocabulary, used to express the action of making a mistake or being mistaken. This word has a broad meaning and can be used in various contexts, from simple everyday errors to more complex deceptions. The flexibility in the use of this word is reflected in its frequent use in both colloquial and formal Japanese language.

In terms of etymology, 「間違える」 is composed of two main kanji: 「間」 (ma) and 「違」 (chiga). The kanji 「間」 carries the meaning of "interval," "space," or "between," while 「違」 refers to "different" or "wrong." Therefore, the combination of these kanji suggests the idea of "difference or error in the interval," which translates into the use of the word as indicating a mistake or misunderstanding. The radical of 「違」, which represents divergence or difference, is particularly influential in shaping the overall meaning of 「間違える」.

In addition to 「間違える」, there are variations and related words that expand the semantic universe of the term. For example, the nominal form 「間違い」 (machigai) means "error" or "mistake". Another variation is 「間違っている」 (machigatteiru), which means "to be wrong". Its frequent use in everyday contexts, such as when checking answers or admitting a personal mistake, increases the relevance of this expression in the language. It is also common to find 「間違える」 in educational or business contexts to discuss mistakes or to provide them in a constructive manner.

In many daily cases, using 「間違える」 is a polite and informal way to address a mistake, facilitating interactions with understanding and empathy. By publicly acknowledging a mistake, the expression often signals humility and openness to correction, reflecting Japanese cultural values of harmony and mutual respect. In this way, the variations in the use of the term are wide-ranging and deeply embedded in the social and professional interactions of everyday Japanese life.

Verbal conjugation of 間違える

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 間違える (machigaeru)

  • 間違える - Present positive form - 辞書形 jisho kei
  • 間違った - Positive past form - 過去形 kako kei
  • 間違います - Polished positive present form- 丁寧形 teinei kei
  • 間違いました - Polite past form - 丁寧過去形 teinei kako kei
  • 間違えれば - Conditional - 仮定形 katei kei

Synonyms and similar words

  • 誤る (ayamaru) - To make a mistake; to do something wrong.
  • 誤解する (gokai suru) - To make a misunderstanding; to interpret incorrectly.
  • 誤った判断をする (ayamatta handan wo suru) - Make a wrong judgment; have an incorrect analysis.
  • 誤った行動をする (ayamatta koudou wo suru) - Take the wrong action; act inappropriately.
  • 誤解を招く (gokai wo maneku) - Cause misunderstandings; generate confusion in interpretation.
  • 誤った情報を与える (ayamatta jouhou wo ataeru) - Provide incorrect information; give false data.
  • 誤った印象を与える (ayamatta inshou wo ataeru) - To create a wrong impression; to make others understand something incorrectly.
  • 誤った答えを出す (ayamatta kotae wo dasu) - Provide an incorrect answer; give an incorrect solution.
  • 誤った方向に進む (ayamatta houkou ni susumu) - To go in the wrong direction; to advance incorrectly.
  • 誤った手順を踏む (ayamatta tejun wo fumu) - Follow an incorrect procedure; do not respect the correct steps.
  • 誤った発音をする (ayamatta hatsuon wo suru) - Produce a wrong pronunciation; pronounce incorrectly.
  • 誤った言葉を使う (ayamatta kotoba wo tsukau) - Use wrong words; employ incorrect expressions.
  • 誤った記憶を持つ (ayamatta kioku wo motsu) - To have false memories; to remember incorrectly.

SEARCH FOR MORE WORDS WITH THE SAME MEANING

Words related

誤る

ayamaru

make a mistake

Words with the same pronunciation: まちがえる machigaeru

How to Write in Japanese - (間違える) machigaeru

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (間違える) machigaeru:

Example Sentences - (間違える) machigaeru

Below are some example sentences:

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 meaning "thing"
  • は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • 人間 - noun that means "human being"
  • らしい - suffix that indicates "seems to be" or "characteristic of"

Other words of the same type: verb

See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb

間違える