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違う
chigau
be different
この本はあの本と違う。
This book is different from that one.
informal
to be different; to differ
意見が違う。
Our opinions differ.
彼の考えは私のと違う。
His thoughts are different from mine.
Used for comparing two or more things directly.
informal
to be wrong; to be incorrect
答えが違う。
The answer is wrong.
あなたの言うことが違う。
What you're saying is incorrect.
Often used to indicate a mistake or misunderstanding.
informal
to be different from the norm; to be unusual
彼の行動は普通と違う。
His behavior is unusual.
Implies deviation from expected standards.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Casual vs. Formal
Use 違う for casual speech and 異なる for formal writing. 違う is more versatile and commonly used in daily conversation.
Gold Rule
Comparison vs. Mistake
When comparing things, 違う means 'to differ.' When discussing correctness, it means 'to be wrong.' Context determines the meaning.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *tigau, possibly related to *tigu- (to separate, diverge) with the suffix *-au. The sense of 'being wrong' emerged later from the idea of deviating from truth.
Usage Notes
違う is more casual than 異なる. While both mean 'to differ,' 異なる is preferred in formal or written contexts. The 'being wrong' sense is colloquial and context-dependent.
Word Breakdown
違
difference; error
rootう
verb suffix indicating state or action
suffix和英辞典