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How to Say "faults" in Spanish

English → Spanish

errores

eh-RROH-rehs/eˈroɾes/

nounA1general
Use 'errores' when referring to mistakes, errors in judgment, or technical defects in something.
A close-up view of a large, pink rectangular eraser resting on a sheet of white paper, with visible smudged pencil marks underneath, symbolizing a corrected error.

Examples

El coche tiene algunos errores de diseño.

The car has some design faults.

El profesor encontró muchos errores en mi ensayo.

The teacher found many mistakes in my essay.

Todos cometemos errores, es parte de aprender.

We all make mistakes, it's part of learning.

Los errores de cálculo costaron a la empresa una fortuna.

The calculation errors cost the company a fortune.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the masculine noun 'error'. Since 'error' ends in 'r', you add '-es' to make it plural.

Gender Consistency

Because 'error' is masculine, its plural 'errores' is also masculine. Always use masculine articles with it: 'los errores' (the mistakes).

Using the wrong verb for 'making' a mistake

Mistake: “Hacer errores”

Correction: Cometer errores. In Spanish, you usually 'commit' (cometer) a mistake, rather than 'do' or 'make' (hacer) one.

pecados

peh-KAH-dohs/peˈkaðos/

nounB1religious/figurative
Use 'pecados' primarily in a moral or religious context, referring to sins or transgressions, or figuratively for minor flaws.
A small, sad figure sitting on the ground next to a broken ceramic jar, symbolizing a moral mistake or transgression. A single, dark cloud hovers directly above their head.

Examples

La falta de puntualidad es uno de mis pequeños pecados.

Lack of punctuality is one of my little faults.

El sacerdote habló sobre los siete pecados capitales.

The priest spoke about the seven deadly sins.

Todos cometemos pecados de vez en cuando; nadie es perfecto.

We all commit faults (or make mistakes) from time to time; nobody is perfect.

Sus pecados del pasado le persiguieron toda la vida.

His past transgressions haunted him all his life.

Plural Noun Rule

Since 'pecado' ends in a vowel ('o'), you make it plural by simply adding '-s' to the end: 'pecado' becomes 'pecados'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'pecados' when you mean 'we sin' (pecamos).”

Correction: 'Pecados' is the thing (the sin). The action is 'pecar' (to sin). If you want to say 'We sin,' you use the verb form: 'Nosotros pecamos'.

Errores vs. Pecados

Learners often confuse 'errores' and 'pecados' by using 'pecados' for everyday mistakes. Remember that 'pecados' carries a stronger connotation of sin or moral failing, while 'errores' is for general mistakes or defects.

Related Translations

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