Inklingo

How to Say "mistake" in Spanish

English → Spanish

error

eh-ROHReˈror

NounA2common in everyday speech
Use 'error' for a general mistake, especially when referring to calculations, technical issues, or a slip-up in a process.
A simple storybook illustration showing a bright red square block being incorrectly pushed into a round blue hole on a wooden toy board, symbolizing a mistake or error.

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.

equivocación

nounA2general
Choose 'equivocación' for a mistake in judgment or an action that was unintentionally wrong.

Examples

Lo siento, fue una pequeña equivocación.

I'm sorry, it was a small mistake.

fallo

fá-yoˈfa.ʎo

nounA2general error
Use 'fallo' when referring to a malfunction, breakdown, or a significant defect in a system or device.
A colorful stack of wooden building blocks that has completely tumbled over onto the floor, representing a mistake or error.

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-tahˈfalta

NounA2error or fault
Use 'falta' to describe an error that is a fault, deficiency, or omission, often implying something is missing or insufficient.
A large, mostly empty wooden basket resting on the floor, containing only one bright red apple, symbolizing a lack or shortage.

Examples

La falta de atención causó el accidente.

The lack of attention caused the accident.

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.

General vs. Specific Mistakes

Learners often overuse 'error' for all types of mistakes. Remember that 'equivocación' is better for personal judgment errors, and 'fallo' specifically refers to mechanical or system failures, while 'falta' implies a deficiency.

Related Translations

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