Used to express either a difference between two things or that something is incorrect.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe things that are not the same.
- Used to indicate an error or incorrect information.
- Functions as a state verb in Japanese grammar.
使用パターン：主に「AとBが違う（比較）」、「答えが違う（誤り）」、「それは違う（否定）」という形で使われます。また、否定形の「違わない」は「同じである」ことを強調する際にも使われます。
- 1よくある文脈：日常会話での意見の否定や、テストの回答が正解と一致しない時、あるいは以前と様子が異なる（雰囲気が違う）時などに使われます。特に相手の意見に対して「それは違う」と言うと強い否定になるため、注意が必要です。
- 1類似語との比較：「異なる（ことなる）」は「違う」より硬い表現で、書き言葉や公的な場で好まれます。「間違える（まちがえる）」は、意図せず誤るという「動作」に焦点を当てており、「違う」は状態そのものを指す点で異なります。
Examples
私と彼は考え方が違う。
everydayHe and I think differently.
こちらのデータは事実と違います。
formalThis data is different from the facts.
それは違うよ。
informalThat's wrong.
両者の見解は大きく異なる。
academicThe views of both parties differ significantly.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
気が違う
to go crazy
違いがない
there is no difference
話が違う
that's not what we agreed on
Often Confused With
Refers to the act of making a mistake. 'Chigau' refers to the state of being incorrect.
A more formal, written version of 'chigau'. Used in academic or official contexts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'chigau' for general differences and errors. In formal settings, 'kotonaru' is preferred to sound more professional. Avoid using 'chigaimasu' bluntly when disagreeing with someone to maintain politeness.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'chigau' when they mean 'make a mistake' (machigaeru). Remember: 'chigau' is for states, 'machigaeru' is for actions. Also, don't use 'chigau' to mean 'unique' in a positive sense.
Tips
Use it for both difference and error
Remember that 'chigau' covers both 'different' and 'wrong'. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.
Be careful with direct disagreement
Saying 'Chigaimasu' to a superior can sound blunt or rude. Use 'sore wa chotto...' to soften your tone.
The importance of harmony (Wa)
Japanese culture values harmony; directly saying 'chigau' can disrupt it. Often, Japanese speakers avoid direct disagreement to maintain social comfort.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'chigau' (to diverge). It shares roots with words describing things moving away from a single path or point.
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'chigau' is a powerful word because it signals a break in consensus. It is often softened with phrases like 'sou desu ne...' to avoid being perceived as confrontational.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Chee-gau' (Chigau) sounds like 'Change'. If something is different, it has 'changed' from the original state.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意味はほぼ同じですが、「異なる」の方が硬い言葉で、レポートや論文などの書き言葉でよく使われます。「違う」は日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く使えます。
「間違える」は「ミスをする」という動作に焦点があります。「違う」は「正解ではない」という状態に焦点があります。
相手の意見を真っ向から否定する表現になるため、ビジネスシーンでは「そうですね、別の視点からは…」のようにクッション言葉を使うのが一般的です。
これは若者言葉（口語）です。文法的には「違わない？」が正しいですが、カジュアルな場面ではよく耳にします。
Test Yourself
私の意見はあなたとは___。
文末で状態を述べるため、基本形の「違う」が適切です。
「この答えは違います。」
この文脈では、正解と一致しないことを指しています。
（昨日と / 違います / 今日の / 雰囲気は）
「AとBが違う」という比較の構造です。
Score: /3
Summary
Used to express either a difference between two things or that something is incorrect.
- Used to describe things that are not the same.
- Used to indicate an error or incorrect information.
- Functions as a state verb in Japanese grammar.
Use it for both difference and error
Remember that 'chigau' covers both 'different' and 'wrong'. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.
Be careful with direct disagreement
Saying 'Chigaimasu' to a superior can sound blunt or rude. Use 'sore wa chotto...' to soften your tone.
The importance of harmony (Wa)
Japanese culture values harmony; directly saying 'chigau' can disrupt it. Often, Japanese speakers avoid direct disagreement to maintain social comfort.
Examples
4 of 4私と彼は考え方が違う。
He and I think differently.
こちらのデータは事実と違います。
This data is different from the facts.
それは違うよ。
That's wrong.
両者の見解は大きく異なる。
The views of both parties differ significantly.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
