How to say "confuse" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 煙に巻くけむにまくexpression, godan verbCovers deliberately confusing or mystifying someone, leaving them baffled; as an idiomatic expression it typically implies someone is outwitted or thrown off the track, as in an argument or negotiation.
- 化かすばかすgodan verb, transitive verbHere 'confuse' means bewitching or deluding someone, casting a spell-like influence over them. For everyday senses of confuse this is seldom the word you want; it really belongs to bewitching and enchantment.
- 狂わせるくるわせるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers confusing someone in the sense of upsetting or disturbing their mind or emotional state — driving them out of mental balance rather than mixing up facts or things.
- 間違えるまちがえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers confusing one thing for another — mistaking A for B. This common word is the usual choice when you confuse names, faces, dates, or similar items.
- 履き違えるはきちがえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers having a mistaken idea of something or misunderstanding it — confusing matters in one's own head. Less common than 間違える, and used for getting an idea or understanding wrong.
Most often 「間違える」 for mixing one thing up with another; 「狂わせる」 for disturbing someone's mind or state; and 「化かす」, 「履き違える」, or 「煙に巻く」 only in narrower idiomatic or less literal uses.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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