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JapanLingo

error / mistake

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
14
JLPT
N2

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a megaphone broadcasting sound waves outward, with the kanji 誤 ("error") drawn into the picture.

Break 誤 down and you get 言 (speech / words) — words rising out of an open mouth. Picture a megaphone broadcasting sound waves outward, put 誤 inside it, and let that scene stand for "error" — error / mistake. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 14

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 14 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

gokai

misunderstanding

gosadou

malfunction

goyaku

mistranslation

gokaisuru

to do misunderstanding

goyakusuru

to do mistranslation

gokaishita

plain past: did misunderstanding

Example sentences (6)

setsumei ga tarinakute gokai saremashita.

I was misunderstood because my explanation was insufficient.

mijikai meeru hodo, gokai o maneki yasui mono desu.

The shorter the email, the easier it is to invite misunderstanding.

sensaa ga gosadou shimashita.

The sensor malfunctioned.

hokori ga gen'in de gosadou suru koto mo aru node, teikiteki ni souji shiteimasu.

Dust can sometimes cause a malfunction, so we clean it regularly.

moushikomisho ni kisai sareta naiyou ni ayamari ga nai ka, gokakunin kudasai.

Please check whether there are any errors in the details entered on the application form.

setsumei ga tarinai to, omowanu gokai o maneku koto ni narimasu.

If your explanation is insufficient, you end up inviting unexpected misunderstandings.