JLPT N3・N4 Vocabulary Difference between “間違う” and “間違える”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “間違う” and “間違える”
2. Aを間違う
3. AとBを間違える
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Are there any differences between “間違う” and “間違える”?
A: There are subtle differences between “間違う” and “間違える.”
Knowing the key points will help you use them correctly.
Aを間違う (JLPT N3)
It is used when A is not in the correct state despite there being a correct state.
The speaker’s focus is on the “incorrect thing itself.”
[Examples]
間違った道を歩いていました。
I was walking on the wrong path.
⇒ The speaker is walking on the wrong path even though there is a correct path.
答えを間違った！
I got the answer wrong!
⇒ It indicates that the speaker has deviated from the correct answer.
AとBを間違える (JLPT N3)
It is used when two things, A and B, are mistaken for each other.
The speaker assumes that either A or B is correct and mentions that they chose the wrong one.
[Examples]
くつの右と左を間違えているよ。
You’re mixing up the right and left shoes.
⇒ The right and left shoes are swapped.
間違えた道を歩いているから戻ろう。
Let’s turn back because we’re on the wrong path.
⇒ The speaker is walking down the wrong path of the two options.
答えを間違えないように気をつけよう。
Be careful not to get the answer wrong.
⇒ The speaker is being careful not to choose the wrong answer.
Let’s Compare
“間違う” means “to deviate from the correct state.”
Therefore, when referring to something that deviates from moral principles, this term is used.
[Examples]
間違った選択をすると人生が台無しになりますよ。
If you make the wrong choice, it can ruin your life.
⇒ It indicates making a choice that is considered morally wrong.
間違った生き方をしないようにと両親に言われています。
My parents always tell me not to live the wrong way.
⇒ It refers to deviating from the correct path as a person.
In contrast, when there are clearly two options of right and wrong, and one is mistaken for the other, “間違える” is used.
[Examples]
名前を間違えられたので正しい名前を伝えました。
My name was mistaken, so I provided the correct one.
⇒ Since there is definitely a correct name, “間違えた” is used.
電車を間違えました。
I got on the wrong train.
⇒ The correct train was confused with the wrong one going to the intended destination.
スピーチで言葉を間違えて恥ずかしかったです。
I was embarrassed because I used the wrong words in my speech.
⇒ There was the right word to say, but the wrong one was spoken.
Summary
間違う
- It is used when something is not in the correct state, despite there being a correct state.
- The speaker’s focus is on the “incorrect thing itself.”
間違える
- It is used when two things are mistaken for each other.
- The speaker assumes there was a correct choice and indicates that they chose the wrong one.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 間違えて
社長の名前を間違えて何度も謝りました。
I apologized many times for getting the president’s name wrong.
*Since there is a correct name, “間違えて” is appropriate.
A. 間違えて
注文を間違えて別の料理を出されました。
The wrong dish was served because the order was mixed up.
*Since the correct order was mistaken, “間違えて” is appropriate.
A. 間違った
あのとき間違った選択をしなくて良かった。人生がいい方向に進んでいる。
I’m glad I didn’t make the wrong choice back then; my life is heading in a good direction.
*It is a moral discussion about “life,” so “間違った” is appropriate.
A. 間違った
間違った時間に出勤して、まだ誰も来ていなかった。
I arrived at work at the wrong time, and no one else was there yet.
*It refers to the specific “time,” so “間違った” is appropriate.
