1.
mistake; error; fault; wrongdoing
A mistake or transgression, often with moral or serious implications. Carries a heavier, more literary tone than simply 間違い and implies personal responsibility.
Usage
過ち has a more serious and literary tone than 間違い (mistake). It implies moral weight — a failing, a transgression, or a grave error — rather than a simple factual mistake.
Common collocations
- 過ちを犯す (to commit a mistake/transgression)
- 過ちを繰り返す (to repeat a mistake)
- 過ちを認める (to acknowledge one's fault)
- 若い頃の過ち (mistakes of youth)
Similar words
間違い is neutral and covers any kind of mistake. 過ち implies moral responsibility and is often used in reflective, regretful, or admonitory contexts.
Related Words
Compare:
間違い (mistake (neutral))
Compare:
誤り (error, mistake)
Compare:
錯誤 (error)
Compare:
非 (fault)