equivocado
Wrong, incorrect, mistaken; not correct or true.
Equivocado indicates that someone or something is not correct or has made a mistake.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe incorrect information or mistaken people.
- Must agree in gender and number with the noun.
- Commonly used with the verb estar.
Summary
Equivocado indicates that someone or something is not correct or has made a mistake.
- Used to describe incorrect information or mistaken people.
- Must agree in gender and number with the noun.
- Commonly used with the verb estar.
Use with estar for people
Always use 'estar' when talking about a person's mistake. It emphasizes that the state of being wrong is temporary.
Do not confuse with confundido
While 'equivocado' means wrong, 'confundido' means confused. They are not interchangeable.
Directness in Spanish culture
In some Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone they are 'equivocado' directly can be perceived as rude. Use softening phrases to maintain harmony.
Examples
4 of 4Creo que estás equivocado sobre lo que pasó ayer.
I think you are wrong about what happened yesterday.
La información proporcionada en el informe era equivocada.
The information provided in the report was incorrect.
¡Estás totalmente equivocado, eso no es cierto!
You are totally wrong, that's not true!
El planteamiento del problema es equivocado desde el inicio.
The problem statement is incorrect from the beginning.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'equivocado' as 'equal to nothing' when you are wrong; your logic equals nothing. This helps link the feeling of being wrong to the word.
Panorama general
'Equivocado' proviene del verbo 'equivocar' y se emplea ampliamente en español para señalar discrepancias con la verdad o la realidad. Es un término versátil que funciona tanto para describir ideas abstractas como acciones concretas.
Patrones de uso
Al ser un adjetivo, debe concordar en género y número con el sustantivo al que califica (ej. 'una respuesta equivocada', 'ellos están equivocados'). Se utiliza frecuentemente con el verbo 'estar' para indicar un estado temporal de error, o con 'ser' si se describe una característica intrínseca de algo (ej. 'el camino es equivocado').
Contextos comunes
Se usa en situaciones cotidianas al dar direcciones (ir por el camino equivocado), en debates de opinión (tener una idea equivocada sobre alguien) o al realizar tareas (dar una respuesta equivocada en un examen).
Comparación con palabras similares
A diferencia de 'erróneo', que suele ser un término más técnico o formal para referirse a datos o cálculos, 'equivocado' es mucho más personal y común en el habla diaria. Mientras que 'falso' implica una intención de engaño o una falta de veracidad absoluta, 'equivocado' simplemente sugiere que la persona o el objeto no han acertado en su propósito o conclusión.
Usage Notes
Equivocado is used in both neutral and formal contexts. When referring to people, always use the verb 'estar'. It is a high-frequency word essential for basic communication in Spanish.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'ser' instead of 'estar' when describing a person's error. Another error is failing to match the gender of the adjective to the noun. Remember that 'equivocado' is an adjective, not a verb.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'equivocado' as 'equal to nothing' when you are wrong; your logic equals nothing. This helps link the feeling of being wrong to the word.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Latin 'aequivocus', meaning ambiguous or having multiple meanings. Over time, it evolved in Spanish to specifically denote an error or a mistake in judgment.
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, admitting you are 'equivocado' is a sign of intellectual humility. It is a common way to resolve conflicts by acknowledging a misunderstanding.
Examples
Creo que estás equivocado sobre lo que pasó ayer.
everydayI think you are wrong about what happened yesterday.
La información proporcionada en el informe era equivocada.
formalThe information provided in the report was incorrect.
¡Estás totalmente equivocado, eso no es cierto!
informalYou are totally wrong, that's not true!
El planteamiento del problema es equivocado desde el inicio.
academicThe problem statement is incorrect from the beginning.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
no estar equivocado
to not be wrong
estar equivocado de persona
to have the wrong person
me he equivocado
I have made a mistake
Often Confused With
Erróneo is more formal and often refers to data, calculations, or logic. Equivocado is more commonly used for human opinions or personal mistakes.
Confundido means confused or mixed up. Equivocado means simply that you are wrong.
Grammar Patterns
Use with estar for people
Always use 'estar' when talking about a person's mistake. It emphasizes that the state of being wrong is temporary.
Do not confuse with confundido
While 'equivocado' means wrong, 'confundido' means confused. They are not interchangeable.
Directness in Spanish culture
In some Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone they are 'equivocado' directly can be perceived as rude. Use softening phrases to maintain harmony.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta.
Lo siento, creo que tienes el número de teléfono ___.
El sustantivo 'número' es masculino singular, por lo tanto usamos 'equivocado'.
Elige la opción correcta.
Si una persona cree algo que no es verdad, decimos que:
Estar equivocado es la forma correcta de expresar que alguien tiene una idea errónea.
Ordena la frase.
están / equivocados / ellos / totalmente
El orden estándar sujeto + verbo + adverbio + adjetivo es el más natural.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsUsamos 'estar equivocado' para referirnos a una persona que ha cometido un error en su juicio. 'Ser equivocado' se usa para describir algo que intrínsecamente no es correcto, como una decisión o un camino.
Al ser un adjetivo terminado en vocal, simplemente añadimos una 's'. Por ejemplo, 'ellos están equivocados' o 'esas respuestas están equivocadas'.
No es inherentemente ofensivo, pero puede sonar directo o confrontativo. Dependiendo del contexto, es mejor usar fórmulas más suaves como 'creo que te has confundido'.
Sí, puedes decir 'tengo el número de teléfono equivocado' o 'tomé el autobús equivocado'. Funciona perfectamente para indicar que algo no es lo que se buscaba.
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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abajo
A1Down, downstairs, below.
abandonar
B1To leave a place or person, often permanently.
abierta
A1Open (female); not closed or restricted.
abierto
A1Open.
abierto/a
A2Not closed or sealed; open.
Abrir
A1To open
absolutamente
A2Completely, totally, or without qualification.
abstención
B2Abstention, the act of refraining from voting or participation.
abstenerse
B2To abstain, refrain, or hold oneself back from doing something.
Abundancia
B2A large quantity or ample supply of something; plentifulness.
