1.
mistake; error; mix-up; blunder
An error in procedure or handling, especially one that arises from miscommunication, carelessness, or a breakdown in coordination. Implies the mistake was unintentional and administrative rather than a moral failing.
手違いで荷物が届かなかった。
Due to a mix-up, the package didn't arrive.
予約に手違いがあったようです。
It seems there was a mistake with the reservation.
事務手続きの手違いで、書類が二重に発行されてしまった。
Due to an administrative error, the documents were issued twice.
A polite, blame-deflecting word for mistakes — commonly used in customer service, business, and formal apologies. By attributing the problem to a "procedural error" rather than personal negligence, it softens responsibility. Composed of 手 (hand/process) + 違い (difference/error).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手違いがある: there is a mistake
- 手違いで: due to a mistake/error
- 手違いが生じる: a mistake occurs
- 事務的な手違い: an administrative error
- 手違いをお詫びする: to apologize for a mistake
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 間違い: mistake; error — the most general word for mistakes of any kind
- 行き違い: miscommunication; crossing paths — emphasizes two parties failing to connect properly
- 勘違い: misunderstanding — a mistake in one's understanding or assumption
- ミス: mistake — a casual loanword for errors, especially at work