記憶(きおく)違(ちが)い

Composed of 記憶(きおく) (memory) + 違(ちが)い (difference/mistake). Specifically means remembering facts incorrectly — the memory itself is wrong, not that you forgot.

Common patterns

• 記憶(きおく)違(ちが)いだった: it was a faulty memory
• 記憶(きおく)違(ちが)いでなければ: if I'm not misremembering
• 記憶(きおく)違(ちが)いをする: to misremember

Similar words

• 勘違(かんちが)い: misunderstanding, misconception (broader — covers misunderstanding in general)
• 思(おも)い違(ちが)い: mistaken thought, wrong assumption
• ど忘(わす)れ: sudden memory lapse (tip-of-the-tongue — you know it but can't recall)
• 物忘(ものわす)れ: forgetfulness (general tendency, often associated with aging)

Usage

記憶(きおく)違(ちが)い is relatively neutral and non-blaming. It acknowledges that memory can be unreliable without implying negligence.