Inklingo

How to Say "slip-up" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descuido

des-KWEE-dohdesˈkwiðo

nounB1general
Use 'descuido' when referring to a minor mistake or oversight that leads to a negative consequence, like losing something or making an error.
A glass of water tipping over on a table because it was placed too close to the edge.

Examples

Perdí mi cartera por un descuido.

I lost my wallet because of a slip-up.

Un pequeño descuido puede causar un gran problema.

A small oversight can cause a big problem.

No fue a propósito, fue solo un descuido.

It wasn't on purpose; it was just a moment of carelessness.

Using 'Por' for Reasons

We use the word 'por' before 'descuido' to explain the reason why something went wrong, like saying 'because of' in English.

Masculine Word Patterns

This word ends in -o and is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are a woman describing your own mistake.

Descuido vs. Culpa

Mistake: “Es mi descuido que llegamos tarde.”

Correction: Es mi culpa que llegamos tarde.

renuncio

reh-NOON-syohreˈnunsjo

nounC1general
Use 'renuncio' specifically when someone contradicts themselves or makes a mistake within their own statement or story.
A wooden jigsaw puzzle where one piece is clearly the wrong shape and doesn't fit the pattern.

Examples

Te pillé en un renuncio; antes dijiste que no lo sabías.

I caught you in a contradiction; you said before that you didn't know.

Noun usage

As a noun, this word is almost always used with the verbs 'pillar' or 'coger' (to catch).

Mistaking oversight for contradiction

Learners often use 'descuido' for any mistake, but it's best reserved for oversights or minor errors. Reserve 'renuncio' for when someone's story doesn't add up or they contradict themselves.

Related Translations

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