At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 誤差 (gosa) very often, but it is helpful to recognize it as a word for 'a small difference' or 'a tiny mistake in numbers.' Think of it like a clock that is one minute fast. That one minute is the 誤差. In very simple Japanese, you can think of it as 'a little bit wrong' (chotto chigau). For example, if you are learning numbers and you say '100' but the answer is '101,' that small gap is what people call 誤差 in more advanced Japanese. At this stage, just focus on the idea that it relates to numbers and measurements being slightly off.
At the A2 level, you can start using 誤差 to describe simple things like time or basic measurements. You might use it to explain why a result isn't perfect. For instance, if you are measuring something with a ruler and it's not exactly on the line, you can say '誤差があります' (There is an error). You should also learn the phrase '誤差の範囲' (gosa no han'i), which means 'within the range of error' or 'close enough.' This is a common way to say that a small difference doesn't matter. It helps you sound more precise when talking about numbers than just using the word 'chigai' (difference).
At the B1 level, you should understand that 誤差 is a formal word used in science, math, and technical contexts. You should be able to use it with verbs like 'shoujiru' (to occur) and 'deru' (to come out). For example, 'Keisan ni gosa ga demashita' (An error appeared in the calculation). You will start seeing this word in news reports about polls or weather. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'machigai' (a mistake). If you make a mistake on a test, it's a 'machigai,' but if a scale shows 50.1kg instead of 50kg, that's a '誤差.' This distinction is important for natural-sounding Japanese.
At the B2 level, which is where 誤差 is officially categorized, you should be comfortable using it in academic and professional settings. You should know compound words like 'sokutei gosa' (measurement error) and 'kyoyou gosa' (allowable error). You should be able to explain the impact of an error on an experiment or a project. For example, 'Wazukana gosa ga shimeitekina kekka o maneku' (A slight error leads to a fatal result). You should also understand how it's used in statistics and data analysis. At this level, you are expected to use 誤差 to discuss the reliability and accuracy of information.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 誤差 and its related technical terms. You should be able to discuss 'keitou gosa' (systematic error) versus 'guuzen gosa' (random error) and how to minimize them. You will encounter this word in complex literature, technical manuals, and high-level business negotiations. You should be able to use it metaphorically in sophisticated discussions about social trends or economic models, where 'gosa' represents the deviation from a predicted social theory. Your usage should be precise, showing that you understand the mathematical implications of the term.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 誤差 should be near-native. You can use it in philosophical contexts, discussing the inherent limitations of human perception and the 'gosa' present in our understanding of reality. You are familiar with its use in advanced fields like quantum mechanics (where measurement itself creates error) or high-level statistical modeling. You can effortlessly switch between technical definitions and idiomatic, metaphorical uses. You understand the historical development of the word and can use it to critique the methodology of complex research papers, identifying where errors might have propagated through a system.

誤差 en 30 segundos

  • 誤差 (Gosa) means 'error' or 'margin of error' in technical contexts like math, science, and measurement.
  • It is different from 'machigai' (mistake) because it refers to an inherent gap rather than a human blunder.
  • Commonly used in phrases like '誤差の範囲' (within the margin of error) to mean a difference is small and negligible.
  • Vital for discussing accuracy, precision, and reliability in professional, academic, and technical Japanese environments.

The Japanese word 誤差 (ごさ - gosa) is a technical and formal term that translates primarily to 'error' or 'margin of error.' However, it is essential to distinguish it from the general word for a mistake, which is machigai (間違い). While machigai implies a human blunder or a wrong answer that could have been avoided, 誤差 refers specifically to the discrepancy or gap between a measured, calculated, or estimated value and the true, theoretical, or actual value. It is an inherent part of any scientific or mathematical process where absolute precision is impossible.

Scientific Context
In laboratory settings, scientists use 誤差 to describe the variance in experimental data. This is often categorized into 'systematic error' (系統誤差) and 'random error' (偶然誤差).

In everyday Japanese conversation, 誤差 has a slightly more flexible nuance. You might hear people say "Gosa no han'inai" (誤差の範囲内), which means 'within the margin of error.' This phrase is used metaphorically to suggest that a small difference is negligible or doesn't change the overall outcome. For example, if you are five minutes late to a casual meeting, someone might dismiss it as 誤差, implying it is too small a discrepancy to matter.

この測定器にはわずかな誤差が含まれています。(This measuring instrument contains a slight error.)

The term is also vital in the world of technology and manufacturing. When engineers design components, they must account for kyoyou gosa (許容誤差), or 'allowable error' (tolerance). If a part is too large or too small by even a fraction of a millimeter, the entire machine might fail. Thus, 誤差 is not just a 'mistake' but a quantified value that must be managed. In computer science, 誤差 often refers to rounding errors in floating-point calculations, where the computer cannot represent a number perfectly, leading to a tiny discrepancy in the final result.

Statistical Usage
In polling and statistics, 誤差 refers to the confidence interval. A poll might show a candidate at 50% with a 3% 誤差, meaning the actual value is likely between 47% and 53%.

Understanding the kanji is also helpful. The first character, 誤 (go), means to err, to mislead, or to mistake. The second character, 差 (sa), means difference, gap, or distinction. Together, they literally mean 'the difference caused by an error.' This reinforces the idea that 誤差 is a measurable gap between two values rather than a binary 'right or wrong' situation.

計算の過程で大きな誤差が生じてしまった。(A large error occurred during the calculation process.)

Using 誤差 correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings. The most frequent verb used with 誤差 is 生じる (shoujiru), which means 'to occur' or 'to arise.' You describe an error occurring in a system or measurement. Another common verb is 修正する (shuusei suru), meaning 'to correct' or 'to adjust' the error. When we talk about reducing the error to its smallest possible state, we use 最小限に抑える (saishougen ni osaeru).

Common Verb Pairings
誤差が生じる (An error occurs), 誤差を修正する (To correct an error), 誤差を許容する (To allow/tolerate an error).

In academic writing, you will often see 誤差 used as a subject in passive constructions or as a noun modified by adjectives like wazuka-na (slight) or shimeiteki-na (fatal/critical). For example, 'わずかな誤差が大きな事故につながる' (A slight error leads to a major accident). This highlights the precision required in technical Japanese contexts.

統計データには常に一定の誤差が伴うものです。(Statistical data is always accompanied by a certain margin of error.)

When discussing accuracy, you might compare 誤差 with seido (精度 - precision). A high-precision instrument is one where the 誤差 is extremely small. In sentence patterns, 誤差 often takes the particle ga when it is the thing appearing or existing, and o when it is the object being acted upon. For example, '誤差を計算する' (to calculate the error) vs. '誤差が出る' (an error comes out/appears).

Compound Nouns
測定誤差 (Measurement error), 標準誤差 (Standard error), 許容誤差 (Permissible error), 丸め誤差 (Rounding error).

Furthermore, in the context of time, 誤差 is used to describe how much a clock is off. 'この時計は1日に1秒の誤差がある' (This clock has an error of one second per day). This is a very common way for intermediate learners to start using the word in daily life before moving into more complex scientific discussions.

理論値と実測値の間の誤差を分析した。(I analyzed the error between the theoretical value and the measured value.)

You will encounter 誤差 in a variety of real-world scenarios in Japan, ranging from high-tech research to the evening news. One of the most common places is during weather forecasts or election coverage. When a news anchor presents the results of a public opinion poll, they will almost always mention the hyoujun gosa (標準誤差 - standard error) or say 'この結果にはプラスマイナス3パーセントの誤差があります' (This result has an error of plus or minus 3 percent).

News & Media
Used to explain the reliability of data, especially in polls, economic forecasts, and scientific breakthroughs reported in the media.

In the Japanese workplace, particularly in manufacturing (monozukuri), 誤差 is a daily keyword. During quality control meetings, staff will discuss whether the 誤差 of a produced part falls within the 'allowable range' (許容範囲). If the 誤差 is too large, the product is considered a 'defective item' (不良品). If you work in an office that deals with data entry or accounting, you might hear about 'rounding errors' (丸め誤差) when financial totals don't quite match up due to decimal points.

GPSの誤差により、現在地が正しく表示されないことがあります。(Due to GPS error, your current location may not be displayed correctly.)

Another surprising place you hear 誤差 is in the gaming community or sports analytics. Gamers might discuss the 'input lag' or 'frame error' as a type of 誤差 that affects their performance. In sports like speed skating or swimming, where winners are decided by hundredths of a second, the 誤差 in the timing equipment is a serious topic of discussion. Even in cooking, a professional chef might talk about the 誤差 in oven temperature and how it affects the baking process.

Daily Technology
Smartwatches, digital scales, and navigation apps all have built-in explanations of potential 誤差 in their instruction manuals.

Finally, the word appears frequently in academic papers and textbooks. If you are a student in Japan, you will need to master this word to describe your findings in any science-related report. Using 誤差 correctly shows that you understand the limitations of your tools and the nature of empirical data, which is a hallmark of high-level Japanese proficiency.

この実験結果は、統計的な誤差を考慮しても非常に有意である。(These experimental results are very significant, even considering statistical errors.)

The biggest mistake learners make is using 誤差 when they should use 間違い (machigai) or ミス (misu). Imagine you are doing a math test and you write '2 + 2 = 5'. That is a machigai (a mistake/wrong answer). However, if you are measuring the length of a table and you record 120.1cm when it is actually 120.05cm, that is a 誤差. 誤差 is about deviation and precision, while machigai is about being incorrect or making a blunder.

Gosa vs. Machigai
Use 誤差 for measurements, statistics, and technical deviations. Use 間違い for errors in judgment, spelling, or factual correctness.

Another mistake is confusing 誤差 with 違い (chigai). Chigai is a very broad word for any 'difference.' For example, the 'difference' between an apple and an orange is a chigai. You cannot use 誤差 there because there is no 'true value' or 'target value' you are aiming for. 誤差 implies a reference point that you have slightly missed. If you say 'the 誤差 between these two people is their height,' it sounds very strange and overly robotic.

❌ 漢字の書き方に誤差がある。(There is an 'error' in how the kanji is written - Incorrect usage.)

A third common error is in the level of formality. 誤差 is a relatively formal, 'kango' (Sino-Japanese) word. Using it in extremely casual situations where a simpler word like zure (ずれ - slip/gap) would suffice might make you sound like a textbook or a scientist. For instance, if your rug is slightly crooked on the floor, you would say it has a zure, not a 誤差. Save 誤差 for when you are talking about numbers, measurements, or data.

Collocation Error
Learners often say '誤差を作る' (to make an error), but the natural expression is '誤差が出る' (an error emerges) or '誤差が生じる' (an error occurs).

Finally, be careful with the nuance of 'smallness.' While 誤差 often implies a small gap, it is not always small. A 'huge 誤差' (大きな誤差) can be catastrophic. Do not assume the word itself implies that the error is unimportant. Always qualify it with adjectives like wazukana (slight) or shimeitekina (fatal) to be clear about the impact.

When you want to express the idea of a gap or a difference but 誤差 isn't quite right, there are several alternatives to consider. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the most natural word for your specific context.

ずれ (Zure)
This is a more casual word for a 'gap,' 'slip,' or 'misalignment.' It is often used for physical things (like a mask slipping) or abstract things (like a gap in expectations). Comparison: 誤差 is for numerical values; ずれ is for alignment and expectations.
相違 (Soui)
A formal word for 'difference' or 'discrepancy.' It is often used in legal or official documents to describe two things that do not match. Comparison: 誤差 is a quantitative gap; 相違 is a qualitative or factual mismatch.
食い違い (Kuichigai)
This literally means 'crossing paths without meeting.' It is used when two stories, opinions, or pieces of information don't align. Comparison: 誤差 is used for measurements; 食い違い is used for opinions or testimonies.

In a technical sense, you might also encounter 乖離 (kairi), which means 'divergence' or 'estrangement.' This is often used in economics to describe the gap between the market price and the intrinsic value of a stock. While 誤差 implies a deviation from a 'true' value, 乖離 implies two paths moving away from each other.

予想と実際の結果に大きな乖離がある。(There is a large divergence between the prediction and the actual results.)

For everyday 'mistakes,' stick to 間違い (machigai) or ミス (misu). If you made a typo, it's a misu. If you misread a sign, it's a machigai. If your scientific instrument gave you a reading that was 0.001% off, it's a 誤差. By partitioning your vocabulary this way, you will sound much more like a native speaker who understands the nuances of the Japanese language.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient times, 差 was used to describe the difference in length between two things, like the uneven ends of a bundle of wood.

Guía de pronunciación

UK ɡo̞sa̠
US ɡo̞sa̠
Heiban (Flat) type. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.
Rima con
草 (kusa) 傘 (kasa) 朝 (asa) 多寡 (taka) 良さ (yosa) 重さ (omosa) 高さ (takasa) 広さ (hirosa)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'go' as 'gow' (rhyming with low). It should be a pure 'o' sound.
  • Elongating the 'sa' to 'saa'. Keep it short.
  • Adding a stress accent on the first syllable like English 'ERROR'. Japanese is pitch-accent based.
  • Confusing the 'go' sound with 'ko'. Make sure the 'g' is voiced.
  • Pronouncing 'sa' as 'sha'. It should be a clear 's' sound.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Kanji are common but the context is often technical.

Escritura 4/5

Writing the kanji '誤' requires attention to stroke order.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce with a flat pitch.

Escucha 3/5

Can be confused with other 'go' or 'sa' words if context is missing.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

間違い 違い 計算 測定 同じ

Aprende después

精度 正確 偏差 統計 分析

Avanzado

不確定性原理 有意差 相関係数 回帰分析 標本誤差

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + の範囲内 (Within the range of...)

誤差の範囲内です。

Noun + に伴う (Accompanied by/Associated with...)

測定に伴う誤差。

Passive Voice: 誤差が含まれる (Error is contained)

データに誤差が含まれている。

Causative: 誤差を生じさせる (To cause an error to occur)

不注意が誤差を生じさせた。

Adjective + ほど (To the extent of...)

無視できるほどの誤差。

Ejemplos por nivel

1

この時計は1分の誤差があります。

This clock has a one-minute error.

Uses 'ga arimasu' to show existence of the error.

2

少しの誤差は大丈夫です。

A little error is okay.

Uses 'sukoshi no' to modify the noun.

3

誤差はいくらですか?

How much is the error?

Question form using 'ikura' for amount.

4

これは誤差です。

This is an error.

Simple 'A wa B desu' structure.

5

誤差を教えてください。

Please tell me the error.

Uses 'o oshiete kudasai' for a request.

6

誤差が小さいです。

The error is small.

Adjective 'chiisai' modifying the noun.

7

誤差が大きいです。

The error is large.

Adjective 'ookii' modifying the noun.

8

誤差はありません。

There is no error.

Negative form of 'arimasu'.

1

誤差の範囲内だと思います。

I think it's within the margin of error.

Uses 'to omoimasu' to express an opinion.

2

計算に誤差が出ました。

An error appeared in the calculation.

Uses 'ni' to show where the error occurred.

3

誤差を少なくしたいです。

I want to make the error smaller.

Uses 'naku shitai' (want to make less).

4

わずかな誤差がありますね。

There is a slight error, isn't there?

Uses 'wazuka-na' (slight) and 'ne' for agreement.

5

この定規は誤差が少ないです。

This ruler has little error.

Uses 'ga sukunai' to show a small amount.

6

誤差を直してください。

Please fix the error.

Uses 'naoshite kudasai' (please fix).

7

誤差の原因は何ですか?

What is the cause of the error?

Uses 'gen'in' (cause) to ask for more info.

8

1センチの誤差を許せますか?

Can you tolerate a 1cm error?

Uses 'yurusemasu ka' (can you tolerate).

1

統計的な誤差を考慮すべきです。

We should consider statistical errors.

Uses 'beki desu' to show obligation/advice.

2

実験中に誤差が生じました。

An error occurred during the experiment.

Uses 'shoujiru' which is more formal than 'deru'.

3

誤差を最小限に抑える必要があります。

It is necessary to keep the error to a minimum.

Uses 'hitsuyou ga arimasu' (there is a necessity).

4

理論値との誤差を計算しました。

I calculated the error from the theoretical value.

Uses 'to no' to show the relationship between values.

5

測定誤差は避けられません。

Measurement error is unavoidable.

Uses 'sakeraremasen' (cannot be avoided).

6

このデータには大きな誤差が含まれています。

This data contains large errors.

Uses 'fukumarete imasu' (is contained).

7

誤差を修正するためのプログラムです。

This is a program to correct errors.

Uses 'tame no' to show purpose.

8

誤差がどのように影響するか調べましょう。

Let's investigate how the error affects things.

Uses 'dou eikyou suru ka' (how it affects).

1

許容誤差の範囲を厳しく設定する。

Set the range of allowable error strictly.

Uses 'kibishiku settei suru' (set strictly).

2

サンプリング誤差が結果を歪めている。

Sampling error is distorting the results.

Uses 'yugamete iru' (is distorting).

3

観測誤差を補正するアルゴリズムを開発した。

We developed an algorithm to compensate for observation errors.

Uses 'hosei suru' (to compensate/correct technical errors).

4

誤差伝播の法則に従って計算を行う。

Perform calculations according to the law of error propagation.

Uses 'ni shitagatte' (according to).

5

この程度の誤差は無視しても差し支えない。

This level of error can be ignored without any problem.

Uses 'sashitsakaenai' (no problem/objection).

6

系統誤差の原因を特定することが先決だ。

Identifying the cause of the systematic error is the priority.

Uses 'senketsu da' (is the first priority).

7

誤差が累積すると、最終的な結果が大きく狂う。

If errors accumulate, the final result will be significantly off.

Uses 'ruiseki suru' (to accumulate).

8

測定環境の温度変化が誤差に寄与している。

Temperature changes in the measurement environment are contributing to the error.

Uses 'kiyu shite iru' (is contributing to).

1

偶然誤差の分布を正規分布と仮定する。

Assume the distribution of random errors follows a normal distribution.

Uses 'katei suru' (to assume/hypothesize).

2

モデルの予測精度は、誤差関数の最小化によって向上する。

The model's prediction accuracy improves by minimizing the error function.

Uses 'saishouka' (minimization).

3

この手法は、量子力学的な誤差を極限まで排除している。

This method eliminates quantum mechanical errors to the utmost limit.

Uses 'kyokugen made haijo' (eliminate to the limit).

4

社会調査における回答誤差は、質問紙の設計に起因する。

Response errors in social surveys stem from the design of the questionnaire.

Uses 'kiin suru' (to result from/stem from).

5

近似計算に伴う丸め誤差を評価する必要がある。

It is necessary to evaluate the rounding errors associated with approximate calculations.

Uses 'ni tamonau' (associated with).

6

誤差項をモデルに組み込むことで、より現実的な予測が可能になる。

By incorporating error terms into the model, more realistic predictions become possible.

Uses 'kumi-komu' (to incorporate).

7

機器の経年劣化が、無視できない誤差を生んでいる。

The aging of the equipment is producing non-negligible errors.

Uses 'mushi dekinai' (cannot be ignored).

8

誤差の発生源を多角的に分析し、精度を担保する。

Analyze the sources of error from multiple perspectives to guarantee precision.

Uses 'takakuteki ni' (from multiple perspectives).

1

測定という行為そのものが、対象に不可避な誤差を導入する。

The act of measurement itself introduces unavoidable errors into the subject.

Uses 'fukahi-na' (unavoidable) and 'dounyuu' (introduce).

2

認識論的な観点から言えば、完全な真値を知ることは不可能であり、我々は常に誤差の中に生きている。

From an epistemological standpoint, it is impossible to know the absolute true value, and we are always living within error.

Uses 'ninshikiron-teki' (epistemological).

3

この壮大な宇宙モデルにおいて、銀河の質量計算には依然として巨大な誤差が内在している。

In this grand model of the universe, massive errors still reside within the calculation of galactic masses.

Uses 'naizai shite iru' (is inherent/resides within).

4

アルゴリズムのバイアスは、単なる技術的誤差を超えた倫理的問題を孕んでいる。

Algorithmic bias carries ethical issues that transcend mere technical errors.

Uses 'haramande iru' (to be fraught with/carry).

5

統計的有意差が認められたとしても、系統的な誤差が排除されていない限り、結論は留保されるべきだ。

Even if statistical significance is recognized, the conclusion should be reserved unless systematic errors are eliminated.

Uses 'ryuuho sareru' (to be reserved/held back).

6

誤差の伝播を数学的に厳密に記述することは、現代科学の礎石である。

Describing the propagation of error with mathematical rigor is the cornerstone of modern science.

Uses 'soseki' (cornerstone).

7

主観的評価に伴う誤差を定量化する試みは、心理学における長年の課題である。

The attempt to quantify errors associated with subjective evaluation is a long-standing challenge in psychology.

Uses 'teiryouka' (quantification).

8

極微の世界では、ヘイゼンベルクの不確定性原理により、位置と運動量の誤差を同時にゼロにすることはできない。

In the microscopic world, due to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the errors in position and momentum cannot be zero simultaneously.

Uses 'fukakuteisei genri' (uncertainty principle).

Sinónimos

間違い 狂い ずれ ミス

Colocaciones comunes

誤差が生じる
誤差を修正する
誤差を許容する
誤差を最小限にする
誤差が含まれる
誤差が大きい
誤差が少ない
誤差の範囲
統計的誤差
丸め誤差

Frases Comunes

誤差の範囲内

— Within the margin of error; negligible difference.

5分の遅刻は誤差の範囲内だ。

測定誤差

— Error that occurs during the process of measurement.

測定誤差を考慮に入れる。

計算誤差

— Error resulting from a mathematical calculation.

計算誤差を直す。

許容誤差

— Allowable or permissible error (tolerance).

許容誤差を超えている。

系統誤差

— Systematic error; consistent, repeatable error.

系統誤差の原因を探る。

偶然誤差

— Random error; unpredictable fluctuations.

偶然誤差は避けられない。

標準誤差

— Standard error (statistical term).

標準誤差を算出する。

丸め誤差

— Rounding error (in decimals).

丸め誤差が累積した。

誤差を埋める

— To bridge or close the gap/error.

理論と実践の誤差を埋める。

誤差を出す

— To produce an error.

機械が誤差を出している。

Se confunde a menudo con

誤差 vs 間違い

Machigai is a human mistake; Gosa is a numerical deviation.

誤差 vs ミス

Misu is a casual blunder; Gosa is a technical discrepancy.

誤差 vs 違い

Chigai is any difference; Gosa is a difference from a target value.

Modismos y expresiones

"誤差の範囲"

— A metaphor for something being so small it doesn't matter.

人生において、その失敗は誤差の範囲だ。

Metaphorical
"誤差を認める"

— To acknowledge that a perfect result is impossible.

科学者として誤差を認める姿勢が大事だ。

Professional
"誤差に泣く"

— To suffer because of a tiny error.

コンマ数秒の誤差に泣いた。(Lost by a tiny fraction of a second.)

Literary/Dramatic
"誤差を削る"

— To work hard to eliminate every bit of error.

職人は誤差を削ることに命をかける。

Professional
"誤差を読み取る"

— To interpret what the error signifies.

データの誤差を読み取る力。

Academic
"誤差を嫌う"

— To be extremely strict about precision.

彼は誤差を嫌う完璧主義者だ。

Informal
"誤差を楽しむ"

— To appreciate the slight variations in hand-made items.

手作りならではの誤差を楽しむ。

Lifestyle
"誤差が命取り"

— An error that leads to total failure.

宇宙開発では誤差が命取りになる。

Dramatic
"誤差を飼いならす"

— To manage and control errors effectively.

エンジニアは誤差を飼いならさなければならない。

Metaphorical
"誤差の蓄積"

— The buildup of small errors into a large one.

誤差の蓄積が崩壊を招いた。

Formal

Fácil de confundir

誤差 vs 公差 (Kousa)

Sounds similar and relates to errors.

Kousa is 'tolerance' (the allowed range); Gosa is the actual 'error' measured.

公差は0.1mmだが、実際の誤差は0.05mmだ。

誤差 vs 偏差 (Hensa)

Both are statistical terms.

Hensa is 'deviation' (distance from the mean); Gosa is 'error' (distance from the true value).

標準偏差と標準誤差は異なる概念だ。

誤差 vs 誤解 (Gokai)

Starts with the same kanji '誤'.

Gokai is a 'misunderstanding' between people; Gosa is a numerical 'error'.

それは私の誤解でした。

誤差 vs 誤診 (Goshin)

Starts with '誤'.

Goshin is a 'misdiagnosis' in medicine; Gosa is a 'measurement error'.

医師が誤診をした。

誤差 vs 落差 (Rakusa)

Ends with '差'.

Rakusa is a 'drop' or 'gap in height/level'; Gosa is a 'numerical gap'.

理想と現実の落差に驚く。

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Noun] は 誤差 です。

これは誤差です。

A2

[Noun] に 誤差 が あります。

この時計に誤差があります。

B1

[Noun] で 誤差 が 生じました。

計算で誤差が生じました。

B2

[Noun] を 誤差 の 範囲内 と する。

これを誤差の範囲内とする。

C1

[Noun] に 起因する 誤差 を 評価する。

設定に起因する誤差を評価する。

C2

[Noun] に 内在する 誤差 を 定量化する。

理論に内在する誤差を定量化する。

B1

誤差 を 最小限 に 抑える。

誤差を最小限に抑える。

B2

誤差 が 累積 する。

誤差が累積する。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

誤差 (Error)
誤用 (Misuse)
誤認 (Misperception)
誤解 (Misunderstanding)
誤報 (False report)

Verbos

誤る (To make a mistake)
差し引く (To deduct/subtract)
差す (To point/shine)

Adjetivos

誤差のある (Erroneous)
誤った (Mistaken)

Relacionado

精度 (Precision)
正確さ (Accuracy)
偏差 (Deviation)
分散 (Variance)
公差 (Tolerance)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in technical and academic contexts; Medium in daily life.

Errores comunes
  • 漢字の誤差 (Kanji no gosa) 漢字の間違い (Kanji no machigai)

    You cannot use 誤差 for spelling or writing errors.

  • 誤差を作った (Gosa o tsukutta) 誤差が生じた (Gosa ga shoujita)

    Errors 'occur' or 'emerge,' they aren't 'made' like a cake.

  • 道に誤差した (Michi ni gosa shita) 道を間違えた (Michi o machigaeta)

    Getting lost is a human mistake, not a technical 誤差.

  • 誤差を教える (Gosa o oshieru) 誤差を修正する (Gosa o shuusei suru)

    While you can 'tell' an error, 'correcting' it is the standard technical phrase.

  • 意見の誤差 (Iken no gosa) 意見の相違 (Iken no soui)

    Differences in opinion are 'soui' or 'kuichigai,' not numerical 'gosa'.

Consejos

Scientific Writing

Always use 誤差 when writing lab reports in Japanese to sound professional.

Casual Dismissal

Say 'Gosa da yo' (It's just an error) to tell a friend their small mistake doesn't bother you.

Verb Choice

Remember that 誤差 'shoujiru' (occurs) rather than 'suru' (does).

Compound Power

Learning 'Kyoyou Gosa' (Tolerance) is very useful if you work in engineering.

News Keywords

Listen for 誤差 in election polls to understand how reliable the numbers are.

Radical Check

The left part of 誤 is 'speech,' implying that errors often come from what is said or recorded.

Precision

Use 誤差 instead of chigai when talking about data to show higher Japanese level.

Train Time

Japanese trains have almost zero 誤差; mentioning this is a good conversation topic.

Context Matters

Read science news on NHK News Web Easy to see 誤差 used in real contexts.

Visualizing Gaps

Visualize a 'gap' (sa) caused by a 'go' (mistake) whenever you hear the word.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of GOing (誤) to a party and seeing a SA (差) difference in the time you arrived vs the time you were invited. That gap is the GOSA.

Asociación visual

Imagine a target where the arrow is just 1mm away from the bullseye. That tiny gap is the 誤差.

Word Web

Measurement Math Science Clock GPS Statistics Precision Gap

Desafío

Try to find three things in your room today that have a 'gosa' (e.g., your watch vs your phone time) and say the sentence 'Gosa ga arimasu' out loud.

Origen de la palabra

Borrowed from Middle Chinese. The kanji 誤 (go) means 'to err' or 'to mislead,' and 差 (sa) means 'difference' or 'gap.'

Significado original: The discrepancy resulting from a mistake or deviation.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexto cultural

None. It is a neutral, technical term.

English speakers often just say 'error' or 'off,' but Japanese speakers use 誤差 to sound more precise and objective.

Used frequently in 'Steins;Gate' when discussing world lines. Common in news reports about the 'H-IIA' rocket launches. A theme in detective novels where a 1-minute 誤差 in an alibi is the key.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Science Lab

  • 誤差を計算する
  • 誤差の原因を特定する
  • 系統誤差を排除する
  • 誤差をグラフに書く

Office/Accounting

  • 丸め誤差が出る
  • 誤差を修正する
  • 計算が合わない
  • わずかな誤差がある

Manufacturing

  • 許容誤差を確認する
  • 誤差が大きすぎる
  • 精度を高める
  • 部品の誤差

Daily Life

  • 時計の誤差
  • 体重計の誤差
  • 誤差の範囲内
  • 少しの誤差

Politics/News

  • 支持率の誤差
  • 統計的な誤差
  • 誤差を考慮する
  • 調査の誤差

Inicios de conversación

"この時計、スマホの時間と1分くらい誤差があるね。"

"実験の結果に大きな誤差が出ちゃったんだけど、どう思う?"

"5分くらいの遅刻って、あなたにとっては誤差の範囲内?"

"最新のGPSでも、建物の近くでは誤差が出るらしいよ。"

"統計データの誤差って、どうやって計算するの?"

Temas para diario

今日、自分の生活の中で見つけた『誤差』について書いてみましょう。(例:料理の分量、到着時間など)

あなたが完璧を目指していることの中で、どこまでなら『誤差』として許容できますか?

科学技術が進歩しても、なぜ『誤差』をゼロにすることはできないのでしょうか?あなたの考えを書いてください。

『誤差の範囲内』という言葉を、人間関係で使ったことがありますか?その時の状況を説明してください。

人生における『大きな誤差』と『小さな誤差』の違いは何だと思いますか?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, a typo is a 'misu' or 'uchimachigai.' 誤差 is only for numerical or measurement discrepancies.

Usually, it implies a small gap, but you can say 'ookina gosa' (large error) for significant discrepancies.

It means 'within the margin of error.' People use it to say a difference is so small it doesn't matter.

It is 'Hyoujun Gosa' (標準誤差).

It is a formal, objective word. It's not about politeness, but about being precise and intellectual.

Yes, especially in timing sports like swimming or track where 0.01 seconds is a 誤差 that matters.

In a technical sense, it's 'Shinchi' (真値 - true value) or 'Icchi' (一致 - match).

If the GPS is slightly off, yes. If you just turned the wrong way, no, that's a 'machigai'.

Yes, both use the kanji 誤 which means to err or mislead.

It is written as ごさ.

Ponte a prueba 189 preguntas

writing

Translate to Japanese: 'This is an error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'There is a slight error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'An error occurred in the calculation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'It is within the margin of error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'We must minimize the measurement error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'How much is the error?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Please fix the error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Data contains errors.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'The cause of the systematic error is unknown.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'gosa' in Kanji.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'The error is small.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Consider the error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'The error accumulated.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Evaluate the rounding error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'No error.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Why is there an error?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Statistical error is important.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Allowable error is 1%.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Eliminate the error source.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'This clock is 1 minute off.' (Kono tokei wa ippun no gosa ga arimasu.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'It's within the margin of error.' (Gosa no han'inai desu.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'An error occurred in the calculation.' (Keisan ni gosa ga shoujimashita.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'We need to correct the measurement error.' (Sokutei gosa o shuusei suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Minimize the systematic error.' (Keitouteki na gosa o saishougen ni osaeru.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The error is small.' (Gosa ga chiisai desu.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Please tell me the error.' (Gosa o oshiete kudasai.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Consider the statistical error.' (Toukeiteki na gosa o kouryo shite kudasai.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The error accumulated.' (Gosa ga ruiseki shimashita.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Assume a normal distribution of error.' (Gosa no bunpu o seiki bunpu to katei suru.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'How much is the error?' (Gosa wa ikura desu ka?)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'A slight error exists.' (Wazukana gosa ga arimasu.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Error is unavoidable.' (Gosa wa sakeraremasen.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The cause of the error is unknown.' (Gosa no gen'in wa fumei desu.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Incorporate the error term.' (Gosa-kou o kumi-komu.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Is this an error?' (Kore wa gosa desu ka?)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Fix the error.' (Gosa o naoshite.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'There is no error in the data.' (Deeta ni gosa wa arimasen.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Allowable error range.' (Kyoyou gosa no han'i.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Evaluate the rounding error.' (Marume gosa o hyouka suru.)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Gosa wa arimasen.' What does it mean?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Wazukana gosa ga arimasu.' Is the error big?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Keisan ni gosa ga demashita.' Where did the error occur?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Gosa no han'inai desu.' Is the result acceptable?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Keitouteki na gosa o haijo suru.' What are they doing to the systematic error?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Kore wa gosa desu.' What is being identified?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Gosa o naoshite kudasai.' What is the request?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Toukeiteki na gosa o kouryo suru.' What is being considered?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Kyoyou gosa o koeta.' Did it stay within the limit?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Marume gosa ga ruiseki shita.' What happened to the rounding error?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Gosa wa ikura?' What is the speaker asking for?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Gosa ga sukunai desu.' Is the precision high or low?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Gosa no gen'in o shiraberu.' What is being investigated?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Sokutei gosa o saishougen ni suru.' What is the goal?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Gosa-kou o moderu ni kumi-komu.' What is being added to the model?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 189 correct

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