defecto
/de-FEK-toh/
defect
A crack in a bowl illustrates a physical imperfection or 'defecto'.
defecto(noun)
defect
?a physical imperfection
,flaw
?a character or design issue
shortcoming
?referring to a person's personality
,fault
?a technical error in a machine or system
📝 In Action
Esta camisa tiene un pequeño defecto en la manga.
A2This shirt has a small defect in the sleeve.
Nadie es perfecto, todos tenemos nuestros defectos.
B1No one is perfect; we all have our flaws.
El coche tiene un defecto de fábrica.
B1The car has a factory defect.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender of 'defecto'
This word is masculine. Even when talking about a flaw in a woman or a feminine object, you always use 'el defecto' or 'un defecto'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Fault vs. Defecto
Mistake: "Using 'defecto' to mean 'whose fault is it?'"
Correction: Use 'culpa' for responsibility. 'Defecto' is only for flaws or physical errors.
⭐ Usage Tips
Opposites
When talking about personality, the opposite of 'defecto' is 'virtud' (virtue/strength).
A standard choice represents the 'defecto' or default setting.
📝 In Action
La configuración por defecto es la más segura.
B2The default setting is the safest one.
El programa elige esa opción por defecto.
B2The program chooses that option by default.
💡 Grammar Points
The phrase 'por defecto'
This fixed phrase functions like an adverb to describe how something happens automatically if no other choice is made.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tech Talk
You will see 'por defecto' in almost every software manual or app setting in Spanish.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: defecto
Question 1 of 2
Which word is the best opposite for 'defecto' when talking about someone's personality?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'defecto' for a person's mistake?
Not usually. 'Defecto' refers to a permanent flaw or a quality. For a one-time mistake, use 'error' or 'equivocación'.
Is 'defecto' always a bad thing?
Generally, yes. It implies that something is missing or imperfect. However, the phrase 'por defecto' is neutral and just describes an automatic setting.