1.
difference, discrepancy
The state of being different or not the same. The noun form of the verb 違う (to differ). Used to describe gaps or distinctions between things.
二つの製品の違いがわからない。
I can't tell the difference between the two products.
文化の違いを理解することが大切だ。
It's important to understand cultural differences.
考え方の違いで意見が合わなかった。
We couldn't agree due to differences in our ways of thinking.
USAGE: This is the noun form derived from the verb 違う. It emphasizes the state or degree of being different.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 〜の違い (the difference in/of ~)
- 違いがある (there is a difference)
- 違いがわかる (to understand the difference)
- 大きな違い (big difference)
- 個人差/違い (individual differences)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 差 - emphasizes the gap or margin between things (often numerical)
- 相違 - formal word for difference/discrepancy
- 区別 - distinction, differentiation (the act of distinguishing)