How to Say "incorrect" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “incorrect” is “incorrecto” — use this general term when something doesn't follow established rules, facts, or standards, like a wrong number or a faulty calculation.
incorrecto
een-koh-RREK-tohiŋkoˈrekto
Examples
El número de teléfono es incorrecto.
The phone number is wrong.
Ese resultado es incorrecto, intenta de nuevo.
That result is incorrect, try again.
Muchos estudiantes cometen el mismo error porque el ejemplo es incorrecto.
Many students make the same mistake because the example is wrong.
Matching the word it describes
Since this word ends in '-o', it must change to 'incorrecta' if the thing you are describing is feminine (like 'la respuesta' or 'la clave').
Placing the word
In Spanish, you usually place this word after the thing it describes. Say 'un código incorrecto' instead of 'un incorrecto código'.
Using 'malo' for 'wrong'
Mistake: “La respuesta es mala.”
Correction: La respuesta es incorrecta (or 'está mal'). Use 'incorrecto' for facts and 'malo' for quality or character.
falsa
fal-saˈfalsa
Examples
La información que recibimos era completamente falsa.
The information we received was completely false.
Tienes que borrar esa idea falsa de tu cabeza.
You have to erase that wrong idea from your head.
Adjective Agreement
Since 'falsa' is the feminine form, it must be used to describe feminine nouns, like 'la respuesta' (the answer) or 'la promesa' (the promise).
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “El respuesta es falso.”
Correction: La respuesta es falsa. (Remember 'respuesta' is feminine, so the adjective must match.)
equivocada
eh-kee-voh-KAH-dahekiβoˈkaða
Examples
Creo que tu amiga está equivocada sobre la hora de la reunión.
I think your friend is mistaken about the time of the meeting.
La dirección que escribiste en el sobre está equivocada.
The address you wrote on the envelope is wrong.
Si piensas que es fácil, estás equivocada. Necesitas más práctica.
If you think it's easy, you are wrong. You need more practice.
Feminine Agreement
Since this word ends in '-a', it is the feminine form. Use it only when describing feminine nouns (like 'mujer', 'idea', 'respuesta').
State vs. Identity (Estar)
Almost always use 'estar' (to be) with 'equivocada' because it describes the temporary state of having made a mistake, not a permanent quality of the person.
Using the Masculine Form
Mistake: “La niña es equivocado.”
Correction: La niña está equivocada. Remember to match the ending to the subject (niña is feminine, so use -a).
erróneo
Examples
Los datos que recibimos son erróneos.
The data we received are wrong.
General vs. Specific Errors
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.