1.
discrepancy, inconsistency, mismatch
A difference or contradiction between two things that should match. Used for statements, records, or accounts that don't align.
証言に食い違いがある。
There are discrepancies in the testimony.
数字の食い違いを確認する。
Confirm the discrepancy in the numbers.
記録と実際の数に食い違いがあったので、調査が始まった。
There was a discrepancy between the records and the actual count, so an investigation began.
2.
disagreement, conflict of opinion
A situation where people have different views or opinions on something.
意見の食い違いがある。
There's a disagreement in opinion.
方針をめぐって食い違いが生じた。
A disagreement arose over the policy.
両者の間には根本的な食い違いがあり、解決は難しい。
There's a fundamental disagreement between the two parties, making resolution difficult.
食い違い is the noun form of the verb 食い違う (to not match, to be at odds). It describes situations where things that should align — statements, numbers, opinions — do not.
FORMATION:
食い (stem of 食う, to bite) + 違い (difference) — the image is of teeth not meshing properly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 食い違いがある: there is a discrepancy
- 食い違いが生じる: a discrepancy arises
- 意見の食い違い: difference of opinion
- 証言の食い違い: discrepancy in testimony
- 食い違いを解消する: to resolve a discrepancy
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 矛盾: contradiction (stronger — implies logical impossibility)
- 相違: difference (formal/written; neutral, not implying something is wrong)
- ずれ: gap, misalignment (often for timing or positioning)