How to Say ‘I made a mistake’ in Japanese
私が間違えました
わたくしがまちがえました
💬 Usage Tip: Pronounced (wa-ta-shi-ga-ma-chi-ga-e-ma-shi-ta), admitting fault.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Taking responsibility is respected in Japanese culture.
Phrase Breakdown
私わたくし
I
The pronoun for oneself.
私は学生です。
I am a student.
がが
subject marker
Indicates the subject of the verb.
間違えまちがえ
mistake
To make an error.
間違えました。
I made a mistake.
ましたました
did (past)
Past tense of a verb.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
私わたくし
[watakushi]
I
Refers to oneself.
私は学生です。
I am a student.
がが
[ga]
subject marker
Identifies the subject of the sentence.
猫が好き。
I like cats.
間違えまちがえ
[machigae]
made a mistake
The act of making an error.
宿題を間違えた。
I made a mistake with my homework.
ましまし
[mashi]
(polite)
Desu/masu form indicating politeness.
学校へ行きました。
I went to school.
たた
[ta]
past tense marker
Converts to past tense.
食べた。
I ate.
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