How to Say "to err" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to err” is “errar” — use 'errar' when referring to making a general mistake, an oversight, or missing a target, especially in a broader sense of deviation from a correct path or aim.
errar
eh-RAReˈrar
Examples
El estudiante erró al responder la pregunta de historia.
The student erred in answering the history question.
El cazador erró el tiro y el ciervo escapó.
The hunter missed the shot and the deer escaped.
Errar es de humanos, pero perdonar es divino.
To err is human, but to forgive is divine.
Yerras si piensas que el examen será fácil.
You are mistaken if you think the exam will be easy.
The 'Y' Surprise
When the stress of the word falls on the first letter 'e' (like in 'yo' or 'tú' forms), the 'e' changes into 'ye'. This is why we say 'yerro' instead of 'erro'.
Using 'Errar' vs 'Equivocarse'
Use 'errar' when you miss a physical target or in formal writing. Use 'equivocarse' for everyday mistakes like picking the wrong day for a meeting.
Forgetting the 'Y'
Mistake: “Yo erro el tiro.”
Correction: Yo yerro el tiro. (Because the stress is on the first part of the word, the 'e' must become 'ye'.)
fallar
fah-YARfaˈʝaɾ
Examples
El mecanismo de seguridad falló y la puerta se abrió.
The security mechanism failed and the door opened.
El futbolista falló el gol por centímetros.
The soccer player missed the goal by centimeters.
Aunque apuntó bien, falló el tiro.
Although he aimed well, he missed the shot.
General Mistake vs. Specific Failure
Related Translations
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