How to Say "flaw" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “flaw” is “defecto” — use 'defecto' for a flaw that is inherent to the design, nature, or character of an object or person, often implying a deviation from a standard or ideal..
defecto
/de-FEK-toh//deˈfektο/
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.
error
/eh-ROHR//eˈror/
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.
falla
/FAH-yah//ˈfa.ʎa/
Examples
Hay una falla en el sistema eléctrico del coche.
There is a fault in the car's electrical system.
La caída del servidor se debió a una falla humana.
The server crash was due to a human error.
Revisamos el informe pero no encontramos ninguna falla.
We checked the report but didn't find any mistake.
Using 'Falla' vs. 'Error'
'Falla' often refers to a malfunction or a structural defect (like in a machine or design). 'Error' is usually about a human mistake or calculation.
debilidad
deh-bee-lee-DAHD/deβiliˈðað/
Examples
Después de la operación, sentía una gran debilidad en todo el cuerpo.
After the operation, he felt great weakness throughout his whole body.
La debilidad de su plan era que no tenían suficiente dinero.
The weakness (or flaw) of their plan was that they didn't have enough money.
Ella reconoció la debilidad de su carácter: era demasiado orgullosa.
She recognized the weakness of her character: she was too proud.
Gender Rule
Most Spanish words ending in -dad, like 'debilidad', are feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with them.
Confusing with Adjective
Mistake: “Usar 'débilidad' (with accent).”
Correction: The noun form 'debilidad' does not carry an accent mark, although the related adjective 'débil' (weak) does.
tara
/TAH-rah//ˈtaɾa/
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. Falla
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