Quick answer
違 is the kanji for "Difference". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is ちが.う (chigau). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Difference
Also : Differ
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
13 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 違 represents 'DIFFERENCE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of difference.
On-reading: い — remember this sound by associating it with difference. Kun-reading: ちが.う.
Example Sentences
意見の違いがありました。
いけんのちがいがありました。
There was a difference of opinion.
間違えてしまいました。
まちがえてしまいました。
I made a mistake.
Vocabulary using 違
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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