齟齬をきたす

• Reading: そごをきたす
• Romaji: sogo wo kitasu
• Kanji breakdown: 齟 (so) — upper teeth misaligned; 齬 (go) — lower teeth misaligned; (together: mismatch, discrepancy)
• Pronunciation: /so.ɡo.o.ki.ta.sɯ/

Meaning

To be at odds; to cause a discrepancy; to produce a mismatch or contradiction between expectations and reality.

A formal expression combining the noun 齟齬 (mismatch, contradiction — literally: teeth not aligning properly) with the verb きたす (to bring about, to cause). Used in legal, bureaucratic, and formal written contexts to describe situations where two things fail to align: plans and results, statements and facts, laws and practices. 齟齬 alone is a common N1 noun.

Examples

1. 両者の説明に齟齬をきたしており、事実関係の確認が必要だ。 There is a discrepancy between the two parties' accounts, and confirmation of the facts is necessary.
2. 計画と実施の間に齟齬をきたさないよう、入念な調整が求められる。 Careful coordination is required to prevent any inconsistency between planning and implementation.
3. 法律の解釈に齟齬をきたす判決が下され、議論を呼んだ。 A ruling that produced contradictory interpretations of the law was handed down, sparking debate.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, bureaucratic, academic, news

Tone: formal

Origin & History

齟齬 derives from classical Chinese, describing the state of upper and lower teeth failing to meet properly (齟 = upper teeth protruding; 齬 = lower teeth protruding). The metaphor of misaligned teeth became the standard Japanese expression for contradiction or discrepancy. きたす comes from 来す, an old causative form of 来る.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated / Professional