Japanese word

違う

Pronunciation

Romajichigau

Meaning

  • verbbe different

Example

この二つは違います。ko no futa tsu wa chiga i ma su

These two are different.

Illustration for 違う (be different)

More examples

姉と私は好きな色が違います。ane to watashi wa su ki na iro ga chiga i ma su

My sister and I have different favorite colors.

Core concept

違う (chigau) marks a mismatch between what is compared or expected and what is actually the case.

Common phrases

  • 意見が違うi ken ga chiga u

    have different opinions

  • 色が違うiro ga chiga u

    have different colors

Definition in Japanese

二つ以上の物事が同じでない。また、正しくなかったり、考えや判断が一致しなかったりする。futa tsu i jō no mono goto ga ona ji de na i ma ta tada shi ku na ka tta ri kanga e ya han dan ga it chi shi na ka tta ri su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 違う (chigau, "to differ") is related in form and meaning to 違える (chigaeru, "to make different"), centering on a mismatch.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 違う (chigau) can correct a statement with the meaning "No, that is not right," rather than only describe a difference between two things.

Other meanings

  • be wrongverb
  • disagreeverb

Opposites

  • 一致するitchisurucoincideverb

Related words

Word lists with this word