Meaning and Usage
The verb 誤る (あやまる) means "to make a mistake" or "to err." It is often used in formal or written contexts to describe errors in judgment, calculation, or actions. Unlike 謝る (also read あやまる), which means "to apologize," 誤る specifically refers to making an error.
Common Contexts
誤る is frequently used when talking about mistakes in calculations, decisions, or actions that lead to unintended results. It can also describe accidental actions, often with the adverb 誤って (あやまって), meaning "by mistake" or "accidentally."
Collocations and Patterns
- 誤って + verb (e.g., 誤って押す): to do something by mistake
- 判断を誤る: to make a wrong judgment
- 計算を誤る: to make a calculation error
Register and Nuance
誤る is more formal and often appears in written language or formal speech. It is not used to apologize; for that, 謝る is used instead. Learners should be careful not to confuse these two verbs despite their identical reading.
Common Mistake
Confusing 誤る (to make a mistake) with 謝る (to apologize) is common because both are read あやまる. Remember that 誤る relates to errors, while 謝る relates to apologies.