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How to Say "flaws" in Spanish

English → Spanish

defectos

/deh-FEHK-tohs//deˈfektos/

nounA2general
Use 'defectos' to refer to inherent imperfections or shortcomings in a person's character, personality, or a product's quality.
A friendly monster with one eye slightly larger than the other and mismatched fuzzy spots, looking into a pond.

Examples

Todos tenemos virtudes y defectos.

We all have virtues and flaws.

La fábrica devolvió los productos con defectos.

The factory returned the products with defects.

Aprendí a aceptar mis propios defectos.

I learned to accept my own shortcomings.

Making it Plural

This is the plural form of 'defecto.' Since it ends in a vowel, we just add '-s' to talk about more than one flaw.

Masculine Word

This word is masculine. Even when talking about a woman's flaws, you still use the masculine form 'los defectos'.

Confusing with Adjectives

Mistake: “Ese teléfono es defectos.”

Correction: Ese teléfono tiene defectos (It has flaws) or Es defectuoso (It is flawed). 'Defectos' is a noun, not a descriptive word.

agujeros

ah-goo-HEH-rohs/a.ɣuˈxe.ɾos/

nounB2legal/formal
Use 'agujeros' (literally 'holes') metaphorically to describe loopholes or gaps in a system, plan, or law that allow for evasion or exploitation.
A small, cheerful figure easily stepping through a tiny, unnoticed hole at the base of a very tall, restrictive brick wall.

Examples

Los abogados encontraron varios agujeros en la nueva ley.

The lawyers found several loopholes (flaws) in the new law.

La teoría tiene algunos agujeros que la hacen vulnerable a la crítica.

The theory has some flaws (holes) that make it vulnerable to criticism.

Confusing with 'Mistakes'

Mistake: “Using 'agujeros' to mean simple errors in homework.”

Correction: Use 'errores' or 'fallos' for simple mistakes. 'Agujeros' usually refers to structural weaknesses or gaps in a system, argument, or law.

Character vs. Loopholes

The most common mistake is using 'defectos' when referring to loopholes or gaps in a law or system. Remember that 'defectos' applies to personal character or product imperfections, while 'agujeros' is used for exploitable gaps.

Related Translations

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