In Japanese, expressing certainty or strong assumptions is essential for clear communication. One useful expression for this is 〜When learning Japanese, you’ll quickly notice that there are multiple ways to say “different.” While in English we usually rely on just the word different, Japanese has a handful of nuanced expressions. Choosing the right one depends on the context, level of formality, and subtle meaning you want to express.

Let’s explore some of the most common words for “different” in Japanese!

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1. 違ちがう – “Different / Wrong”

This is the most common and casual way to say “different.” You’ll hear it all the time in daily conversation.

• Main use: to say something is not the same, or simply “wrong.”
• Register: casual to neutral.

Examples:

• それは違ちがうよ。 (That’s not right.)
• この意見いけんは私わたしの考かんがえと違ちがう。 (This opinion is different from mine.)

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2. 異ことなる – “To Differ”

This is a more formal or literary version of 違ちがう. You’ll often see it in academic writing, news articles, or business documents.

• Main use: to point out differences objectively or politely.
• Register: formal, written.

Examples:

• 文化ぶんかによって価値観かちかんは異ことなる。 (Values differ depending on culture.)
• 異ことなる結果けっかが出でた。 (Different results came out.)

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3. 別べつの – “Another / Different”

This one is used before a noun and means “another” or “different (one).” It emphasizes an alternative or something separate.

• Main use: to pick out an alternative object, person, or option.
• Register: neutral.

Examples:

• 別べつの日ひに会あいましょう。 (Let’s meet on another day.)
• 別べつの方法ほうほうを考かんがえましょう。 (Let’s think of a different method.)

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4. 様々さまざまな – “Various / Many Different”

This word is used to express variety or diversity. It’s not used for just one “different” thing, but rather for multiple differences.

• Main use: to say “various kinds of.”
• Register: neutral to formal, often used in writing.

Examples:

• 様々さまざまな国くにから人ひとが集あつまった。 (People gathered from many different countries.)
• 様々さまざまな理由りゆうで。 (For various reasons.)

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Quick Summary

• 違ちがう → everyday, casual, “different/wrong.”
• 異ことなる → formal, written, “to differ.”
• 別べつの → “another / a different one.”
• 様々さまざまな → “various / many different kinds.”

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Final Thoughts

Mastering these subtle differences will help your Japanese sound more natural. Instead of relying only on 違ちがう, try using 別べつの when talking about “another option,” or 異ことなる when writing formally. With these words, you’ll be able to express shades of meaning that English speakers often miss!

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