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How to Say "error" in Spanish

English → Spanish

error

/eh-ROHR//eˈror/

nounA2general, technical, or formal
Use 'error' for general mistakes, formal errors, or technical errors in calculations or procedures.
A simple storybook illustration showing a bright red square block being incorrectly pushed into a round blue hole on a wooden toy board, symbolizing a mistake or error.

Examples

Cometí un error en el cálculo.

I made an error in the calculation.

El programa de la computadora tiene un error.

The computer program has an error.

Aprender de los errores es muy importante.

Learning from mistakes is very important.

It's a Masculine Word

Even though 'error' doesn't end in -o, it's a masculine noun. Always remember to say 'el error' for 'the error' and 'un error' for 'an error'.

How to Say 'To Make a Mistake'

Mistake: “Hice un error.”

Correction: Cometí un error. In Spanish, the verb that naturally goes with 'error' is 'cometer' (to commit), not 'hacer' (to make/do). Using 'hacer' is a very common mistake for English speakers.

fallo

/fá-yo//ˈfa.ʎo/

nounA2computing/technical
Choose 'fallo' specifically when referring to a technical breakdown, malfunction, or glitch, especially in machinery or computing.
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).

pecado

peh-CAH-doh/peˈkaðo/

nounB2figurative, serious mistake/blunder
Use 'pecado' figuratively to describe a serious mistake, blunder, or a regrettable waste, often with a moral or ethical connotation.
A sad, simple figure sitting next to a puddle of spilled milk on the floor, holding their head in their hands in an expression of great disappointment or regret.

Examples

Es un pecado tirar tanta comida; mejor dónala.

It's a shame/waste to throw away so much food; better to donate it.

¡Qué pecado que no pudieras venir a la fiesta!

What a pity/shame that you couldn't come to the party!

Dejar de estudiar ahora sería un pecado.

Stopping studying now would be a terrible mistake (a shame).

Expressing Regret

This meaning is almost always used impersonally: 'Es un pecado que...' (It is a shame that...). If you follow it with a verb, the verb often needs the special form for wishes and feelings (subjunctive).

Using the Wrong Verb Form

Mistake: “Es un pecado que no fuiste.”

Correction: Es un pecado que no fueras/hayas ido. (The expression of regret triggers the special verb form.)

Confusing 'Error' with 'Fallo'

Learners often use 'error' for all technical problems, but 'fallo' is preferred for mechanical or software malfunctions. While 'error' can be technical, 'fallo' specifically implies a system or device breaking down.

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