1.
mistake, error
Something done incorrectly; an error in action, judgment, or calculation.
間違いがあった。
There was a mistake.
それは間違いだ。
That's wrong.
計算の間違いに気がついた。
I noticed a mistake in the calculation.
間違い電話がかかってきた。
I got a wrong number call.
間違いなく届けます。心配しないでください。
I will definitely deliver it. Please don't worry.
間違いなく = without mistake, certainly
2.
accident, mishap
An unintended event, especially something improper or unfortunate.
間違いがあったら大変だ。
It would be terrible if something went wrong.
間違いを起こさないように注意する。
I'm being careful not to let any mishaps occur.
若い時に間違いを犯してしまった。
I made a grave mistake when I was young.
もし間違いがあっても、すぐに対応できるように準備しておく。
I'll prepare so that I can respond quickly even if something goes wrong.
子供に間違いがあったら困るので、一人で出かけさせない。
I don't let the child go out alone in case something happens to them.
間違い is the noun form of 間違う. In sense 1, it means a simple error or mistake. In sense 2, it takes on a more serious meaning of an accident, mishap, or grave error — often euphemistic for something improper or scandalous.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 間違いない: no mistake, certain, for sure
- 間違いなく: definitely, without fail
- 間違いを犯す: to commit a mistake (serious)
- 間違いを正す: to correct a mistake
- 間違い電話: wrong number (phone call)
SENSE 2 USAGE:
When 間違い is used with expressions like 万一間違いがあったら (if something were to go wrong), it refers not to a simple error but to an accident or mishap, sometimes euphemistically to something improper.
RELATED VERBS:
- 間違う: to make a mistake, to be wrong (intransitive)
- 間違える: to mistake X for Y (transitive)