Esta página no seu idioma
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun #2,500 mais comum 8 min de leitura

خَطأ

khata'
At the A1 level, the word 'Khata' (خَطأ) is used as a simple label to indicate that something is not right. It is often one of the first abstract nouns a student learns. At this stage, you use it in very short sentences like 'This is wrong' (هذا خطأ) or 'No, mistake' (لا، خطأ). It helps you communicate during basic classroom activities, such as when a teacher asks if an answer is correct. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just knowing that 'Khata' means 'Wrong' is enough to help you navigate basic binary choices. It is the opposite of 'Sah' (صح) or 'Sawab' (صواب). Learners at this level might use it to point out a typo in their own work or to ask for clarification when they don't understand a rule. The focus is on the immediate identification of an error without necessarily explaining why it happened or how to fix it in detail.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Khata' (خَطأ) in more complete sentences and start to understand its role as a noun. You can now say 'I made a mistake' (ارتكبتُ خطأً) or 'There is a mistake in the book' (هناك خطأ في الكتاب). You also learn the plural form 'Akhta' (أخطاء) to talk about multiple errors. At this stage, you might use the phrase 'by mistake' (عن طريق الخطأ) to explain accidents, like taking the wrong bus or calling the wrong number. You are also introduced to the idea that 'Khata' is the formal version of 'Ghalat'. This level is about expanding the context—moving from just labeling things as 'wrong' to describing where the mistake is and who might have made it. You can also use it in simple comparisons, like 'This mistake is bigger than that one'.
At the B1 level, 'Khata' (خَطأ) becomes a tool for more detailed explanations and discussions. You can use it to talk about technical errors in computers, grammatical errors in language learning, or social misunderstandings. You start to use collocations like 'Khata fanni' (technical error) or 'Khata matba'i' (typo). You can also discuss the consequences of a mistake, such as 'The mistake led to a problem' (أدى الخطأ إلى مشكلة). At this level, you are expected to distinguish between 'Khata' (unintentional error) and other words like 'Ghalat'. You might also use the word in the context of 'Trial and Error' (التجربة والخطأ) when discussing how you learn new skills. Your sentences become more complex, using 'Khata' as a subject that performs actions or as an object of specific verbs like 'corrected', 'avoided', or 'discovered'.
At the B2 level, you use 'Khata' (خَطأ) to discuss abstract concepts, opinions, and complex systems. You can argue why a certain policy or idea is a 'khata' (mistake) using supporting evidence. You understand the nuance between 'Khata' and more specific terms like 'Hafwa' (slip) or 'Zalla' (stumble). You can use the word in professional contexts, such as writing a formal apology for a business error or analyzing a case study where a 'khata' occurred. You also become familiar with idiomatic expressions and proverbs involving the word. At this stage, you can handle the grammar of the word perfectly, including its case endings (Marfu', Mansub, Majrur) and its use in Idafa constructions (e.g., 'Khata al-nizam' - the system's error). You are also able to discuss 'moral errors' versus 'logical errors' with greater precision.
At the C1 level, your use of 'Khata' (خَطأ) is sophisticated and contextually rich. You can use it in literary analysis, legal discussions, or philosophical debates. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how it relates to the concept of 'missing the mark' in classical Arabic. You can distinguish between 'Khata' and 'Khati'a' (sin/transgression) in religious texts. Your vocabulary includes a wide range of synonyms and you choose the most appropriate one based on the register and tone of your communication. You can write long essays about the 'nature of error' or the 'history of human mistakes'. In professional settings, you use the word to describe systemic failures and risk management. You are also comfortable with the word's appearance in complex grammatical structures and high-level rhetoric.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'Khata' (خَطأ) and all its nuances. You can appreciate and use the word in poetry, classical literature, and highly technical legal or scientific documents. You understand the subtle differences in meaning that occur when the word is used in different Arabic dialects versus Modern Standard Arabic. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the epistemological status of 'error' and 'truth'. You are aware of the word's usage in the Quran and Hadith and can explain the theological implications of 'Khata' versus 'Amad' (intent). Your usage is effortless, and you can play with the word's meaning in puns, metaphors, and advanced rhetorical figures. You are not just using the word; you are mastering its place within the entire history and structure of the Arabic language.
Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

خَطأ em 30 segundos

  • Khata' means error or mistake in Arabic.
  • It is a noun used in formal and daily contexts.
  • The plural form is Akhta' (أخطاء).
  • Commonly used in phrases like 'by mistake' (عن طريق الخطأ).

The word خَطأ (Khata') is a fundamental Arabic noun that translates primarily to 'error', 'mistake', or 'wrong'. At its core, it signifies a deviation from what is correct, true, or intended. Whether you are discussing a typo in a document, a moral lapse, or a technical glitch in a computer program, khata' is the universal term used to describe that discrepancy. In the CEFR A2 context, it is one of the most essential words for basic communication, allowing learners to acknowledge mistakes, ask for corrections, and navigate daily interactions where things might not go as planned.

Etymological Root
Derived from the root (خ-ط-أ), which relates to missing a target or failing to hit the mark.
Grammatical Category
It is a masculine singular noun (Masdar), which can take various case endings depending on its position in a sentence.
Semantic Range
Covers everything from unintentional slips to conceptual falsehoods.

هذا خَطأ بسيط في الحساب.

— Translation: This is a simple mistake in the calculation.

Understanding خَطأ requires recognizing its nuance compared to 'Ghalat' (غلط). While often interchangeable in spoken dialects, khata' is the preferred term in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and formal writing. It carries a sense of 'missing the objective'. In a philosophical sense, it is the opposite of 'Sawab' (صواب), which means correctness or rightness. When you say 'Ana fi khata' (I am in error), you are admitting a lack of alignment with the truth.

ارتكب الكاتب خَطأً لغوياً.

— Translation: The writer committed a linguistic error.

الاعتراف بالـ خَطأ فضيلة.

— Translation: Admitting the mistake is a virtue.
Usage in Technology
'Error Message' is translated as 'Risalat Khata' (رسالة خطأ).
Usage in Law
Refers to negligence or 'wrongful act'.

حدث خَطأ في النظام.

— Translation: An error occurred in the system.

Furthermore, the word is used in the phrase 'An Tariq al-Khata' (by mistake), which is essential for explaining accidents. If you spill coffee or send an email to the wrong person, this is the phrase you need. It shifts the blame from intent to circumstance. The plural form is 'Akhta' (أخطاء), which you will see frequently in feedback and grading. Mastery of this word allows a learner to move beyond simple 'yes/no' binary thinking into the realm of evaluation and critical thinking in Arabic.

صحح المعلم الـ أخطاء.

— Translation: The teacher corrected the mistakes.

Using خَطأ correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations. In Modern Standard Arabic, it usually functions as the subject (Mubtada'), the object (Maf'ul Bihi), or following a preposition. One of the most common ways to use it is with the verb 'irtakaba' (to commit), as in 'irtakaba khata'an' (he committed a mistake). This is more formal than saying 'amala khata' (he made a mistake), though both are understood.

As a Predicate
Example: 'Hadha khata' (This is wrong). Here, it defines the subject.
With Prepositions
'Bi-khata' (by mistake) or 'Fi khata' (in error).

أنت على خَطأ في هذا الموضوع.

— Translation: You are wrong about this subject.

When you want to say 'by mistake', the standard phrase is عن طريق الخطأ (an tariq al-khata). For example, 'I took your pen by mistake' would be 'Akhadhtu qalamaka an tariq al-khata'. This structure is very common in both formal and semi-formal contexts. Another important aspect is the pluralization. The broken plural أخطاء (Akhta') is used when referring to multiple errors. In a classroom, a teacher might say 'Ladika akhta' kathira' (You have many mistakes).

وجدنا أخطاءً كثيرة في التقرير.

— Translation: We found many mistakes in the report.

In technical settings, khata' is used to describe system failures. 'Khata' fi al-ittisal' (Connection error) is a phrase every internet user in the Arab world knows. It can also be used as an adjective-like noun in phrases like 'fikra khata' (a wrong idea), though 'fikra khati'a' (using the active participle) is more grammatically precise for 'wrong idea'. However, for A2 learners, using 'khata' as a general label for 'wrong' is perfectly acceptable and highly effective.

You will encounter خَطأ in a wide variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday casual. In the media, news anchors use it to discuss political missteps or judicial errors. In the educational sphere, it is the bread and butter of feedback. If you are using an app in Arabic, any notification about a failed login or a missed field will likely contain this word. It is a 'high-frequency' word that appears in almost every domain of life.

In the Classroom
Teachers correcting students: 'Hadha khata, as-sawab huwa...' (This is wrong, the right [way] is...).
In Technology
Error codes and messages: 'Khata 404' (Error 404).

هناك خَطأ في كلمة المرور.

— Translation: There is an error in the password.

In daily conversation, especially in Modern Standard Arabic or 'White Arabic' (a mix of MSA and dialect), you'll hear people say 'Khata'i' (My mistake) when they want to take responsibility for something. In professional emails, phrases like 'Na'tadhir an al-khata' (We apologize for the error) are standard. It is also common in sports commentary when a player makes a foul or a tactical mistake.

وقع اللاعب في خَطأ فادح.

— Translation: The player made a fatal mistake.

Social media is another place where this word thrives. From 'fact-checking' posts that label information as 'khata' to users correcting each other's grammar in the comments, the word is ubiquitous. It is also used in the context of 'Trial and Error' (at-tajriba wa al-khata), a common phrase in scientific and learning contexts. Understanding this word helps you identify when something is being negated or corrected in any Arabic-speaking environment.

For learners of Arabic, the word خَطأ presents a few specific challenges, primarily related to spelling, pronunciation, and synonym choice. One of the most frequent errors is the confusion between khata' and ghalat. While 'ghalat' is extremely common in dialects (like Egyptian or Levantine), 'khata' is the standard form. Using 'ghalat' in a formal essay might be seen as a stylistic lapse, though it is not 'wrong' in a communicative sense.

Spelling the Hamza
Many students forget that the Hamza sits on an Alif (أ) at the end. Writing it on the line (خطء) is a common spelling mistake.
Tanween Placement
When making it indefinite accusative (خطأً), do not add an extra Alif after the Hamza.

الصح: ارتكبتُ خَطأً. الخطأ: ارتكبتُ خطأاً.

— Translation: Correct: I committed a mistake. Wrong: [Incorrect spelling].

Another common mistake is using the word 'khata' as an adjective directly without the appropriate nisba or participle form. For example, saying 'hadha rajul khata' (this is a wrong man) is awkward. Instead, one should say 'hadha rajul mukhti' (this is a mistaken man) or 'hadha tasarruf khati' (this is a wrong behavior). However, for A2 learners, simply saying 'hadha khata' (this is a mistake) is the safest and most common way to express the idea.

لا تقل: هو خَطأ. قل: هو مخطئ.

— Translation: Don't say: He is [a] mistake. Say: He is mistaken.

Finally, learners often confuse 'khata' with 'dhanb' (sin). While a 'khata' can be a sin in a religious context, 'khata' usually implies an unintentional error or a logical mistake, whereas 'dhanb' implies a moral transgression with intent. Using 'khata' for a serious crime might sound too light, just as using 'dhanb' for a math error would sound overly dramatic. Context is key to choosing the right level of 'wrongness'.

Arabic is a rich language with many nuances for the concept of 'error'. While خَطأ is the general term, several other words offer more specific meanings. Understanding these can help you transition from A2 to B1 and beyond. The most common synonym is غلط (Ghalat), which is widely used in daily speech and focuses on being 'incorrect' rather than 'missing a target'.

هفوة (Hafwa)
A small slip or a minor lapse, often used for social or verbal slips.
زلة (Zalla)
A 'slip' of the tongue or a minor moral stumble. It implies a momentary loss of footing.
سهو (Sahw)
An error due to forgetfulness or oversight. Common in religious contexts (Sujud al-Sahw).

كانت مجرد هفوة بسيطة.

— Translation: It was just a simple slip.

On the more serious side, we have إثم (Ithm) and ذنب (Dhanb), which refer to moral sins or crimes. While a 'khata' can be unintentional, these words usually imply a level of awareness or spiritual consequence. In a legal context, you might hear جرم (Jurm) for a crime. For technical inaccuracies, the word عدم دقة (adam diqqa - lack of precision) is often used instead of calling it a 'mistake' outright.

هذا الـ غلط شائع جداً.

— Translation: This mistake is very common.

Another interesting related word is باطل (Batil), which means 'false' or 'void'. In legal or religious debates, if an argument is 'khata', it is factually wrong; if it is 'batil', it is fundamentally invalid. For a student at the A2 level, focusing on the pair 'Khata' (Error) and 'Sawab' (Correct) is the most important foundation before exploring these more complex synonyms.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

""

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Exemplos por nível

1

هذا خطأ.

This is a mistake.

Simple nominal sentence.

2

لا، هذا خطأ.

No, this is wrong.

Negative particle + demonstrative.

3

خطأ كبير.

A big mistake.

Noun + Adjective.

4

أين الخطأ؟

Where is the mistake?

Interrogative sentence.

5

هذا ليس خطأ.

This is not a mistake.

Negation using 'laysa'.

6

خطأ بسيط.

A simple mistake.

Noun + Adjective.

7

الجواب خطأ.

The answer is wrong.

Subject + Predicate.

8

خطأ في الاسم.

A mistake in the name.

Noun + Prepositional phrase.

1

أنا آسف، هذا خطئي.

I am sorry, this is my mistake.

Possessive suffix 'i'.

2

فعلتُ ذلك عن طريق الخطأ.

I did that by mistake.

Fixed phrase 'an tariq al-khata'.

3

هناك أخطاء كثيرة في الكتاب.

There are many mistakes in the book.

Plural form 'akhta'.

4

هل هذا خطأ مطبعي؟

Is this a typo?

Compound noun (Idafa-like).

5

صحح الخطأ من فضلك.

Correct the mistake, please.

Imperative verb + Object.

6

وجد المعلم خطأً في الواجب.

The teacher found a mistake in the homework.

Accusative case 'khata'an'.

7

لا تكرر هذا الخطأ.

Do not repeat this mistake.

Prohibitive 'la' + Jussive verb.

8

الخطأ واضح جداً.

The mistake is very clear.

Definite noun + Adjective.

1

حدث خطأ فني في النظام.

A technical error occurred in the system.

Verb + Subject + Adjective.

2

نتعلم من الخطأ والصواب.

We learn from right and wrong.

Antonyms used together.

3

اعتذر المدير عن الخطأ.

The manager apologized for the mistake.

Verb + Preposition 'an'.

4

كان الخطأ غير مقصود.

The mistake was unintentional.

Noun + 'ghayr' + Adjective.

5

كيف يمكننا تجنب هذا الخطأ؟

How can we avoid this mistake?

Interrogative + Modal verb.

6

الخطأ في الحساب أدى لنتائج غلط.

The error in calculation led to wrong results.

Complex sentence with cause/effect.

7

رسالة الخطأ تظهر دائماً.

The error message always appears.

Idafa construction.

8

هذا الخطأ كلفنا الكثير من الوقت.

This mistake cost us a lot of time.

Verb 'kallafa' (to cost).

1

من الخطأ الاعتقاد بأن المال هو كل شيء.

It is a mistake to believe that money is everything.

Sentential subject starting with 'min al-khata'.

2

ارتكاب الخطأ جزء من الطبيعة البشرية.

Making mistakes is part of human nature.

Masdar as a subject.

3

يجب أن نتحمل مسؤولية أخطائنا.

We must take responsibility for our mistakes.

Modal verb + Idafa plural.

4

التقرير يحتوي على أخطاء جوهرية.

The report contains fundamental errors.

Noun + Adjective 'jawhariyya'.

5

لا يمكن تبرير هذا الخطأ الفادح.

This fatal mistake cannot be justified.

Passive construction.

6

وقع في خطأ تقديري.

He made an error of judgment.

Prepositional phrase with adjective.

7

الخطأ التاريخي لا يمكن محوه.

The historical mistake cannot be erased.

Subject + Adjective + Passive verb.

8

تكرار الخطأ دليل على الفشل.

Repeating the mistake is evidence of failure.

Idafa + Predicate.

1

تكمن المشكلة في خطأ المنهجية المتبعة.

The problem lies in the error of the methodology followed.

Complex Idafa structure.

2

أثبتت الدراسة خطأ الفرضية السابقة.

The study proved the error of the previous hypothesis.

Verb + Subject + Object (Idafa).

3

هناك خيط رفيع بين الخطأ والخطيئة.

There is a thin line between error and sin.

Metaphorical usage.

4

الاعتراف بالخطأ هو أول خطوة نحو الإصلاح.

Admitting the mistake is the first step toward reform.

Complex nominal sentence.

5

تراكمت الأخطاء حتى أدت إلى الانهيار.

Mistakes accumulated until they led to the collapse.

Verb 'tarakama' (to accumulate).

6

ينبغي التمييز بين الخطأ العفوي والخطأ المتعمد.

A distinction should be made between spontaneous and intentional errors.

Passive-like structure with 'yanbaghi'.

7

لقد وقعت الضحية ضحية خطأ قضائي.

The victim fell victim to a judicial error.

Repetition for emphasis.

8

الخطأ في الفهم يؤدي إلى نزاعات لا طائل منها.

Error in understanding leads to pointless conflicts.

Abstract subject + Verb phrase.

1

إن الخطأ في التأويل قد يغير مجرى التاريخ.

Indeed, an error in interpretation might change the course of history.

Emphasis with 'Inna'.

2

يتجلى الخطأ الوجودي في اغتراب الإنسان.

The existential error manifests in human alienation.

Philosophical terminology.

3

لا يخلو أي عمل بشري من الخطأ والنقص.

No human work is free from error and deficiency.

Negative 'la' + 'yakhlou' (to be free from).

4

الخطأ هنا ليس مجرد هفوة، بل هو انحراف عقدي.

The error here is not just a slip, but a doctrinal deviation.

Contrastive 'bal'.

5

تجاوزنا مرحلة الخطأ وبدأنا في مرحلة التصحيح الجذري.

We have passed the stage of error and begun the stage of radical correction.

Verb 'tajawaza' (to surpass).

6

الخطأ في المقدمات يفضي بالضرورة إلى الخطأ في النتائج.

Error in premises necessarily leads to error in conclusions.

Logical structure.

7

استطاع الكاتب أن يوظف الخطأ اللغوي لخدمة النص.

The writer was able to employ linguistic error to serve the text.

Infinitive phrase.

8

إننا نعيش في عصر يقدس السرعة على حساب الخطأ.

We live in an age that sanctifies speed at the expense of error.

Relative clause.

Colocações comuns

خطأ فادح
خطأ مطبعي
خطأ فني
خطأ لغوي
خطأ بشري
عن طريق الخطأ
وقع في خطأ
صحح الخطأ
ارتكب خطأ
رسالة خطأ

Frases Comuns

أنا على خطأ

هذا خطأ تماماً

لا يوجد خطأ

خطأ في الحساب

كلنا نرتكب أخطاء

الاعتراف بالخطأ

من الخطأ أن...

خطأ غير مقصود

أخطاء شائعة

تجنب الخطأ

Frequentemente confundido com

خَطأ vs غلط (Ghalat) - Dialectal/Less formal.

خَطأ vs خطيئة (Khati'a) - Moral sin.

خَطأ vs خطر (Khatar) - Danger (sounds similar).

Expressões idiomáticas

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Fácil de confundir

خَطأ vs

خَطأ vs

خَطأ vs

خَطأ vs

خَطأ vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

nuance

Khata is more formal than Ghalat.

plural

Akhta is the only standard plural.

Erros comuns
  • Writing 'Khata' without the Hamza.
  • Confusing 'Khata' (mistake) with 'Khatar' (danger).
  • Using 'Ghalat' in highly formal academic writing.
  • Adding an extra Alif for Tanween Fatha (خطأاً).
  • Using the word to mean 'bad' in a general sense (it specifically means 'incorrect').

Dicas

Tanween Tip

When writing 'khata'an', put the tanween directly on the hamza. Do not add an alif at the end.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'Khata' in your Arabic exams and 'Ghalat' when talking to friends in the street.

Apologizing

Saying 'Khata'i' (My mistake) is a very quick and effective way to apologize for small errors.

Spelling

Remember the root is Kh-T-A. The hamza is part of the root, so it stays there in the plural 'Akhta'.

Humility

In Arab culture, admitting a mistake is often seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Error Messages

If you see 'Khata 404', you know it's the same as the English 'Error 404'.

Context Clues

If you see 'Khata' near a red mark in a book, it always means an error was found.

News

News anchors often use 'Khata' when discussing government or legal issues.

Archery

The root of the word comes from missing a target. Think of a mistake as missing your goal.

Opposites

Always learn 'Khata' alongside 'Sawab' (Correct) to build a better mental map.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a 'Khat' (line) that is 'a' bit off. Khat-a.

Origem da palavra

Semitic root

Contexto cultural

الاعتراف بالخطأ فضيلة (Admitting a mistake is a virtue).

It is polite to say 'Khata'i' (My mistake) even for small things.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"هل تعتقد أن هذا خطأ؟"

"كيف نصحح هذا الخطأ؟"

"هل ارتكبتُ خطأً في كلامي؟"

"ما هو أكبر خطأ فعلته؟"

"لماذا نرتكب الأخطاء دائماً؟"

Temas para diário

اكتب عن خطأ تعلمت منه درساً مفيداً.

هل تعتقد أن الأخطاء ضرورية للتعلم؟ لماذا؟

صف يوماً حدث فيه كل شيء عن طريق الخطأ.

ما هو الخطأ الذي لا يمكنك مسامحته؟

كيف تشعر عندما يصحح لك شخص ما خطأك؟

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Khata is Modern Standard Arabic and more formal. Ghalat is common in dialects and everyday speech. Both mean mistake.

You can say 'Irtakabtu khata'an' (formal) or 'Amaltu khata' (less formal).

It can be, but 'Khati'a' or 'Dhanb' are more specific for moral or religious sins.

The plural is 'Akhta' (أخطاء).

It is 'an tariq al-khata' (عن طريق الخطأ).

Usually, it's a noun. To say 'wrong idea', you say 'fikra khati'a' or 'fikra khata' (informally).

Yes, in writing, the Hamza on the Alif is essential for correct spelling.

It's like the 'ch' in 'Bach' or the Spanish 'j'. A raspy sound from the throat.

No, 'Khatar' means danger. They sound similar but are different.

Yes, 'Khata' is the standard word for technical and system errors.

Teste-se 180 perguntas

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Conteúdo relacionado

Foi útil?

Comentários (0)

Faça Login para Comentar
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!