How to Say "mistake" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “mistake” is “error” — use 'error' for any kind of mistake, slip-up, or incorrect action, especially in calculations or formal contexts..
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.
fallo
/fá-yo//ˈfa.ʎo/
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).
falta
/fahl-tah//ˈfalta/
Examples
La falta de lluvia es un problema para los agricultores.
The lack of rain is a problem for the farmers.
Tengo una falta en la clase de historia de hoy.
I have an absence in today's history class.
Cometer una falta en el examen te puede costar caro.
Making a mistake on the exam can cost you dearly.
Expressing 'Lack of...'
To say 'a lack of something', you almost always use the structure 'la falta de' followed by the thing you don't have enough of. For example, 'la falta de dinero' (the lack of money).
Forgetting 'de'
Mistake: “Tengo falta tiempo.”
Correction: Tengo falta de tiempo. Remember to include 'de' to connect 'falta' to the thing that is lacking.
Confusing 'Error' with 'Fallo'
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