いいえ、違います
iie, chigaimasuA polite way to say 'no' when correcting someone's statement.
A: あなたは医者ですか？ B: いいえ、違います。私は看護師です。
A: Are you a doctor? B: No, that's incorrect. I'm a nurse.
A: この漢字は「木」ですか？ B: いいえ、違います。これは「本」です。
A: Is this kanji 'ki' (tree)? B: No, that's incorrect. This is 'hon' (book).
Used in formal or polite contexts. More polite than just saying 「違います」 alone.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Politeness Level
「いいえ、違います」 is more polite than just saying 「違います」. Use it when speaking to someone you don't know well, in formal settings, or when correcting a superior.
⚡Gold Rule
Correction Etiquette
In Japanese culture, it's important to correct someone gently. Always use polite language when correcting others, especially in formal or unfamiliar situations.
📖Word Origin
'いいえ' comes from the classical Japanese 'いへ' (no), and '違います' comes from the verb '違う' (to differ/be incorrect). The phrase combines a negation with a statement of difference.
📝Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in formal situations or when correcting someone's mistake politely. It's softer than just saying '違います' alone. In very casual speech, people might simply say '違う' (chigau).