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How to Say "defect" in Spanish

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defecto

/de-FEK-toh//deˈfektο/

nounA2general
Use 'defecto' for a physical imperfection or flaw in an object, or a character flaw in a person.
A shiny red ceramic bowl with a small, visible crack on one side.

Examples

Esta camisa tiene un pequeño defecto en la manga.

This shirt has a small defect in the sleeve.

Nadie es perfecto, todos tenemos nuestros defectos.

No one is perfect; we all have our flaws.

El coche tiene un defecto de fábrica.

The car has a factory defect.

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'.

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.

fallo

/fá-yo//ˈfa.ʎo/

nounA2general
Choose 'fallo' when referring to a malfunction, breakdown, or error, especially in machinery or systems.
A colorful stack of wooden building blocks that has completely tumbled over onto the floor, representing a mistake or error.

Examples

Hubo un fallo en el motor y tuvimos que parar.

There was a failure in the engine and we had to stop.

Este fallo de diseño es peligroso.

This design defect is dangerous.

Admitió su fallo y pidió disculpas.

He admitted his mistake and apologized.

Using 'Fallo' vs. 'Error'

'Fallo' often implies a mechanical or procedural malfunction, or a severe misjudgment. 'Error' is more general for minor mistakes.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'fallo' (noun) when you mean the action of failing ('fallar').”

Correction: Remember 'fallo' is the thing (the mistake), 'fallar' is the action (to fail).

tara

/TAH-rah//ˈtaɾa/

nounB1general
Use 'tara' for a general flaw or imperfection, often a hidden defect from manufacturing, applicable to both objects and sometimes people's character.
A pristine, simple ceramic bowl sitting on a table, clearly showing a large, visible chip on its rim.

Examples

El coche fue devuelto por una tara de fábrica en el motor.

The car was returned due to a factory defect in the engine.

No es mala persona, pero tiene una tara emocional que le impide confiar.

He's not a bad person, but he has an emotional flaw (or hang-up) that prevents him from trusting.

Revisaron la fruta en busca de cualquier tara antes de empacarla.

They checked the fruit for any blemishes before packing it.

Gender Check

Remember that 'tara' is a feminine noun, so you always use 'la tara' or 'una tara', even though it ends in '-a' like many feminine nouns.

Confusing with 'tarro'

Mistake: “Using 'tarro' (jar/can) when you mean 'tara' (defect).”

Correction: They sound similar but have completely different meanings. Remember 'tara' relates to imperfection.

Defecto vs. Fallo

Learners often confuse 'defecto' and 'fallo'. Remember that 'defecto' typically describes an inherent flaw or imperfection, while 'fallo' refers to a malfunction or breakdown that occurs.

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