At the A1 level, you should know that 'equivocación' means a 'mistake.' It is a long word, but don't be afraid of it! You can use it when you say the wrong word in class or take the wrong book. Just remember it is a feminine noun, so you say 'una equivocación' or 'la equivocación.' You might also hear your teacher say '¡No hay problema, es una equivocación común!' which means 'No problem, it's a common mistake!' At this stage, focus on recognizing the word when you hear it and knowing that it is related to the verb 'equivocarse' (to be wrong). You can use it to apologize simply: 'Perdón, una equivocación.' This shows you are trying to use more advanced vocabulary even as a beginner. Always remember that mistakes are part of learning, and this word is your tool to talk about them. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just link it to the idea of 'wrong' or 'error.'
At the A2 level, you can start using 'equivocación' in short sentences to describe daily events. You should learn the phrase 'por equivocación,' which means 'by mistake.' For example, 'Llamé a Juan por equivocación' (I called Juan by mistake). This is very useful for explaining accidents. You should also be aware that the plural is 'equivocaciones' and that you must remove the accent mark on the 'o' when you write it. You can start pairing the noun with simple adjectives like 'pequeña' (small) or 'grande' (big). 'Fue una pequeña equivocación.' This adds more detail to your speaking. You will also notice that it is used in common situations like shops or restaurants if there is a mistake with the bill or the order. Learning this word helps you navigate these social situations more smoothly. It is a step up from just saying 'error,' making your Spanish sound more natural and less like a textbook.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'equivocación' with more precision and in varied contexts. You should understand that it often implies a human judgment error rather than just a mechanical failure. You should be comfortable using it with the verb 'cometer' (to commit/make): 'Cometí una equivocación al elegir ese camino.' You should also be able to distinguish it from 'error' in most cases, using 'equivocación' for misunderstandings or wrong choices. This level involves using the word in professional or academic settings to discuss lapses in logic or planning. You can also start using it with more descriptive adjectives like 'comprensible' (understandable) or 'frecuente' (frequent). Your ability to explain the nature of a mistake using this noun shows that you are moving toward a more nuanced command of the language. You should also be familiar with the reflexive verb 'equivocarse' and how it relates to the noun 'equivocación.'
At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'equivocación' in both formal and informal registers. You should be able to use it to discuss abstract concepts, such as 'equivocaciones históricas' (historical mistakes) or 'equivocaciones estratégicas' (strategic mistakes). You can use it in debates to point out flaws in someone else's argument politely: 'Me parece que hay una equivocación en su planteamiento.' You should also be familiar with idioms and more sophisticated collocations like 'equivocación garrafal' (a monumental mistake) or 'rectificar una equivocación' (to rectify a mistake). At this stage, you should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, including the passive voice: 'Se ha cometido una equivocación que debe ser subsanada.' Your writing should reflect the correct spelling and accentuation rules. You are now using the word not just to describe simple errors, but to analyze situations and express subtle degrees of responsibility and consequence.
At the C1 level, you use 'equivocación' with the finesse of a near-native speaker. You understand the subtle emotional and rhetorical weight it carries in different contexts. You might use it in literary analysis to describe a character's 'equivocación trágica' (tragic mistake) or in legal contexts to discuss 'equivocaciones de hecho' (errors of fact). You are aware of its synonyms like 'desliz,' 'yerro,' or 'pifia' and can choose the exact word that fits the register and tone of your discourse. You can use 'equivocación' to create irony or to soften a critique in a sophisticated way. Your use of the word is integrated into a wide range of grammatical structures, and you can discuss the etymology or the philosophical implications of 'being mistaken' in Spanish. You can also identify and use the word in idiomatic expressions with ease, and you understand how it functions in different regional dialects of Spanish, even if the core meaning remains the same.
At the C2 level, 'equivocación' is a tool you use with absolute precision and creative flair. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of 'la equivocación humana' and how it differs from 'el error sistemático.' You can use the word in high-level academic writing, professional negotiations, or complex creative writing. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its relationship to other Latin-based languages. You can play with the word's nuances to convey sarcasm, deep regret, or clinical objectivity. Your mastery includes knowing all the rare collocations and being able to spot even the slightest misuse of the word by others. You are comfortable using it in any context, from a formal speech at a conference to a casual, slang-filled conversation, knowing exactly how it will be perceived by your audience. The word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a flexible part of your conceptual toolkit in Spanish.

equivocación em 30 segundos

  • Equivocación is a feminine Spanish noun meaning mistake or error, often used to describe human lapses in judgment or misunderstandings in daily life.
  • It is commonly paired with the verb 'cometer' (to commit) and the adverbial phrase 'por equivocación' (by mistake) for explaining accidents.
  • In the plural form 'equivocaciones', the word loses its written accent on the letter 'o', following standard Spanish orthographic rules for '-ción' nouns.
  • While similar to 'error', it carries a more personal nuance, making it ideal for apologies, social blunders, and correcting personal misunderstandings.

The Spanish word equivocación is a fundamental noun for any intermediate learner. At its core, it refers to a mistake, an error, or a misunderstanding. However, unlike the more clinical word 'error,' equivocación often implies a human element—a failure in judgment, a slip of the tongue, or a miscalculation in action. It comes from the verb equivocar, which literally means to call one thing by another name, or to confuse things.

General Usage
In daily conversation, it is used to describe anything from taking the wrong bus to misunderstanding a friend's instructions. It is less formal than 'errata' (used for printing errors) but more formal than 'pifia' (a blunder).

Cometer una equivocación es humano, pero persistir en ella es de necios.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at how Spanish speakers view accountability. When someone says 'fue una equivocación mía,' they are taking personal responsibility for a lapse in judgment. It is frequently paired with the verb cometer (to commit) or admitir (to admit). In professional settings, using this word shows a level of humility and linguistic competence that simpler words might lack.

Semantic Range
The term covers cognitive errors (thinking something is true when it is not), practical errors (doing something wrong), and social errors (saying the wrong thing at the wrong time).

Perdona, ha sido una equivocación de mi parte al entender la fecha.

Culturally, the concept of the 'equivocación' is tied to the Spanish proverb 'el que tiene boca se equivoca' (he who has a mouth makes mistakes), suggesting that making mistakes is an inevitable part of being active and communicative. This word is essential for navigating social interactions where apologies or clarifications are necessary. It allows for a nuanced expression of regret without necessarily implying a catastrophic failure.

Emotional Weight
Using 'equivocación' can sometimes soften the blow of a mistake because it implies a lapse rather than a permanent flaw in character or ability.

No fue mala intención, simplemente una equivocación desafortunada.

In a broader philosophical sense, equivocación is used in literature and film to drive plot points—the 'error of identity' or the 'misunderstood message.' It is a versatile tool for storytelling, providing a bridge between intention and outcome. For a learner, mastering this word means being able to discuss the complexities of human interaction and the inevitable 'hiccups' that occur in daily life with precision and grace.

La equivocación en el diagnóstico retrasó el tratamiento médico.

Reconocer una equivocación es el primer paso para aprender algo nuevo.

Using equivocación correctly involves understanding its role as a feminine noun and its typical collocations. It is almost always preceded by the feminine articles la or una. In sentence construction, it frequently serves as the direct object of verbs related to action or cognition.

With 'Cometer'
The most common verb paired with this noun is 'cometer' (to commit). This is used for active mistakes in work, sports, or social conduct.

El contable cometió una equivocación grave en el balance anual.

Another frequent usage is in the phrase 'por equivocación,' which translates to 'by mistake' or 'accidentally.' This is an adverbial phrase that describes the manner in which an action was performed. It is vital for explaining why something happened without intent.

Adverbial Usage
Use 'por equivocación' when you want to emphasize that the action was unintentional.

Me llevé tus llaves por equivocación, lo siento mucho.

When discussing the correction of a mistake, verbs like corregir (to correct), rectificar (to rectify), or subsanar (to remedy) are used. These are particularly common in formal or business Spanish. Using equivocación in these contexts provides a clear, professional tone.

Correction and Rectification
Focus on the resolution of the error using formal verbs to sound more professional.

Debemos rectificar cualquier equivocación antes de enviar el informe final.

In more complex sentences, equivocación can be modified by adjectives to specify the nature of the error. Common adjectives include tonta (silly), garrafal (huge/monumental), comprensible (understandable), or frecuente (frequent). This allows for a high degree of specificity in your descriptions.

Fue una equivocación garrafal que nos costó el contrato.

No te preocupes, es una equivocación muy común entre los principiantes.

Finally, the word is often used in the passive voice or with impersonal 'se' to deflect blame or speak about errors in a general sense. This is useful for maintaining a polite or objective tone in discussions about problems or issues.

Se ha detectado una equivocación en el sistema de pagos.

The word equivocación is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing in various registers from the highly formal to the everyday colloquial. You will encounter it in news broadcasts, in the office, and in casual conversations at a café. It is a 'safe' word that fits almost any situation where a mistake needs to be acknowledged.

In Professional Environments
In an office in Madrid or Mexico City, you might hear a manager say 'Ha habido una equivocación en las cifras.' This is a standard way to point out an error without being overly aggressive.

Lamentamos la equivocación y procederemos al reembolso de inmediato.

On the news or in political debates, the word is often used to discuss policy failures or rhetorical slips. Journalists might ask, '¿Fue una equivocación estratégica del gobierno?' Here, the word takes on a more analytical tone, referring to large-scale decisions rather than personal slips.

In Media and News
Expect to see this word in headlines regarding legal rulings, sports commentary, and political analysis.

El árbitro admitió su equivocación al no pitar el penalti.

In popular culture, especially in music and telenovelas, equivocación is a staple of romantic drama. Songs often talk about the 'equivocación' of falling in love with the wrong person or the 'equivocación' of a betrayal. It adds a layer of tragic irony to the narrative, suggesting that the characters knew better but chose wrongly anyway.

In Music and Arts
Listen for this word in ballads and boleros where heartbreak is the central theme.

Amarte fue mi mayor equivocación, pero no me arrepiento.

Finally, in the classroom, teachers use this word to guide students. Instead of just saying 'wrong,' a teacher might say 'Hay una pequeña equivocación en tu razonamiento,' which encourages the student to look back at their logic. This usage highlights the word's connection to the cognitive process of thinking and deciding.

Busca la equivocación en esta ecuación matemática.

La equivocación en el mapa nos llevó a un pueblo fantasma.

Despite its usefulness, learners often stumble when using equivocación. The most frequent error is confusing the noun with the verb or the adjective. Another common issue is applying the wrong gender or failing to account for the orthographic changes in the plural form.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion
Learners often say 'Yo tengo una equivocación' when they mean 'Estoy equivocado' (I am mistaken). While grammatically possible, 'Estoy equivocado' is the natural way to express being wrong.

Incorrecto: Yo hice una equivocación.
Correcto: Cometí una equivocación.

The gender of the word is another pitfall. Because it ends in '-ción,' it is always feminine. Learners coming from languages where 'mistake' is masculine or neutral often mistakenly use 'el' or 'un.' Always pair it with la, una, esta, or aquella.

Gender Errors
Never say 'el equivocación.' The suffix '-ción' is a reliable indicator of feminine gender in Spanish.

Esa equivocación fue muy costosa para la empresa.

A subtle mistake is using equivocación when 'error' would be more appropriate for technical or mathematical contexts. While they overlap, equivocación usually implies a human choice or misunderstanding, whereas 'error' is better for mechanical failures or precise data discrepancies.

Misusing 'Error' vs. 'Equivocación'
Don't use 'equivocación' for a computer system error; 'error de sistema' is the standard term.

El software mostró un error, no una equivocación.

Finally, watch out for the phrase 'sin equivocación.' While it means 'without mistake,' it is more commonly used in the set phrase 'sin temor a equivocarse' (without fear of being wrong). Using it in isolation can sound a bit stiff or unnatural compared to 'sin errores.'

Podemos decir, sin temor a equivocación, que este es el mejor año.

Fue una equivocación de cálculo, no de intención.

Spanish is rich with synonyms for 'mistake,' each with its own flavor. Knowing when to use equivocación versus its alternatives is a hallmark of an advanced speaker. Here we compare it with the most common related terms.

Error vs. Equivocación
'Error' is universal and technical. 'Equivocación' is personal and judgmental. You have an 'error' in a spreadsheet, but an 'equivocación' in your choice of words.

Hay un error en el código, pero fue una equivocación mía no revisarlo.

For more informal situations, you might hear fallo or pifia. A fallo is often a failure or a glitch, while a pifia is a blunder—something embarrassing or obvious. Equivocación remains the standard middle-ground term.

Informal Alternatives
'Metedura de pata' is a common idiom for a social blunder, whereas 'equivocación' is more literal.

¡Vaya pifia! Eso fue una equivocación monumental.

In literary or very formal contexts, you might find yerro. This is an archaic form of 'error' and is rarely used in spoken Spanish today, except perhaps in poetry or high-level legal documents. Desliz is another great alternative, meaning a 'slip' or a minor, often moral, mistake.

Formal and Literary terms
'Yerro' (archaic/formal) and 'Desliz' (slip/minor mistake) offer more specific shades of meaning.

Fue un pequeño desliz, no una equivocación planeada.

By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your speech to the level of gravity and formality required. Equivocación is your reliable 'Swiss Army knife' word—it works in 90% of cases and sounds natural in all Spanish-speaking countries.

No hay equivocación posible: los datos son claros.

Admitir la equivocación es señal de sabiduría.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'equivocal' in English shares the same root but has evolved to mean 'ambiguous' or 'uncertain,' whereas in Spanish, 'equivocación' focus more directly on the 'mistake' itself.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /e.ki.βo.ka.'θjon/
US /e.ki.βo.ka.'sjon/
The stress is on the last syllable 'ción' because of the written accent mark.
Rima com
canción acción corazón razón lección atención nación pasión
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'qu' as 'kw' (it should be a hard 'k' sound).
  • Stress on the wrong syllable (it must be at the end).
  • Failing to pronounce the 'v' as a soft 'b' sound (intervocalic voiced bilabial fricative).
  • Confusing the 'c' sound with 'ch'.
  • Missing the nasal 'n' at the very end.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the -ción suffix.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering the accent mark in singular and removing it in plural.

Expressão oral 3/5

Long word, requires good control of syllable stress.

Audição 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

error mal hacer pensar cosa

Aprenda a seguir

equivocarse rectificar subsanar fallo desliz

Avançado

anfibología falacia errata yerro pifia

Gramática essencial

Nouns ending in -ción are always feminine.

La equivocación, una canción, la nación.

Removing the accent in plural for words ending in -ción.

Equivocación -> Equivocaciones.

Using the reflexive verb 'equivocarse' for people.

Yo me equivoqué de número.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

Una equivocación tonta (not tonto).

Preposition 'por' used for cause or manner in 'por equivocación'.

Lo hice por equivocación.

Exemplos por nível

1

Perdón, es una equivocación.

Sorry, it's a mistake.

Simple noun usage with 'una'.

2

La equivocación es pequeña.

The mistake is small.

Feminine noun matching with feminine adjective.

3

No es mi equivocación.

It is not my mistake.

Possessive adjective 'mi' stays the same.

4

Hay una equivocación en el libro.

There is a mistake in the book.

Use of 'hay' to indicate existence.

5

Tengo una equivocación aquí.

I have a mistake here.

Verb 'tener' expressing possession of the error.

6

¿Es una equivocación?

Is it a mistake?

Basic question structure.

7

Una equivocación común es esta.

A common mistake is this one.

Adjective 'común' follows the noun.

8

Veo la equivocación.

I see the mistake.

Direct object usage.

1

Compré esto por equivocación.

I bought this by mistake.

Adverbial phrase 'por equivocación'.

2

Fue una equivocación tonta.

It was a silly mistake.

Adjective 'tonta' modifying the noun.

3

No quiero cometer una equivocación.

I don't want to make a mistake.

Verb 'cometer' is the standard for 'making' a mistake.

4

La equivocación fue de la tienda.

The mistake was the store's.

Prepositional phrase 'de la tienda' showing origin.

5

Hay muchas equivocaciones en la carta.

There are many mistakes in the letter.

Plural form 'equivocaciones' (no accent).

6

Perdona mi equivocación de ayer.

Forgive my mistake from yesterday.

Imperative 'perdona' with noun.

7

Esa equivocación no es importante.

That mistake is not important.

Demonstrative adjective 'esa' (feminine).

8

Ella admitió su equivocación.

She admitted her mistake.

Verb 'admitir' in the past tense.

1

Casi cometo la misma equivocación otra vez.

I almost made the same mistake again.

Use of 'casi' with present tense for near-misses.

2

Fue una equivocación de juicio.

It was an error of judgment.

Abstract noun phrase 'de juicio'.

3

Debes corregir esa equivocación pronto.

You must correct that mistake soon.

Modal verb 'deber' with 'corregir'.

4

La equivocación se debió al cansancio.

The mistake was due to tiredness.

Passive 'se' construction with 'deberse a'.

5

Es una equivocación pensar que es fácil.

It is a mistake to think that it's easy.

Infinitive 'pensar' acting as the subject of the error.

6

Lamentamos cualquier equivocación en el pedido.

We regret any mistake in the order.

Adjective 'cualquier' (shortened form).

7

Nadie está libre de una equivocación.

No one is free from making a mistake.

Set phrase 'libre de'.

8

Su equivocación nos costó mucho tiempo.

Their mistake cost us a lot of time.

Verb 'costar' used figuratively.

1

Una equivocación garrafal arruinó el proyecto.

A monumental mistake ruined the project.

Strong adjective 'garrafal'.

2

Es una equivocación creer que el dinero lo es todo.

It is a mistake to believe that money is everything.

Noun used to introduce a philosophical point.

3

Rectificar la equivocación fue su prioridad.

Rectifying the mistake was his priority.

Infinitive 'rectificar' as a noun phrase.

4

La equivocación era evidente para todos.

The mistake was evident to everyone.

Imperfect tense 'era' for description.

5

No podemos permitirnos otra equivocación así.

We cannot afford another mistake like that.

Pronominal verb 'permitirse'.

6

Fue una equivocación estratégica del partido.

It was a strategic mistake by the party.

Formal adjective 'estratégica'.

7

A pesar de la equivocación, seguimos adelante.

Despite the mistake, we kept going.

Conjunction 'a pesar de'.

8

Su equivocación fue no pedir ayuda a tiempo.

His mistake was not asking for help in time.

Noun followed by the verb 'ser' and an infinitive.

1

La equivocación subyacente en su teoría es obvia.

The underlying mistake in his theory is obvious.

Sophisticated adjective 'subyacente'.

2

No incurras en la misma equivocación que tus antecesores.

Do not fall into the same mistake as your predecessors.

Verb 'incurrir en' (to fall into/commit).

3

La obra trata sobre una trágica equivocación de identidad.

The play is about a tragic mistake of identity.

Literary context.

4

Esa equivocación empañó su brillante carrera.

That mistake tarnished his brilliant career.

Figurative verb 'empañar'.

5

Se disculpó por la equivocación con gran elegancia.

He apologized for the mistake with great elegance.

Prepositional phrase 'con gran elegancia'.

6

La equivocación persistente indica un fallo sistémico.

The persistent mistake indicates a systemic failure.

Adjective 'persistente'.

7

Fue una equivocación fruto de la precipitación.

It was a mistake resulting from haste.

Noun phrase 'fruto de'.

8

Admitir la equivocación le honra como profesional.

Admitting the mistake honors him as a professional.

Verb 'honrar' used with a direct object.

1

La equivocación ontológica de su discurso es profunda.

The ontological mistake of his speech is profound.

Highly academic adjective 'ontológica'.

2

Atribuir ese éxito al azar es una equivocación crasa.

Attributing that success to luck is a gross mistake.

Strong adjective 'crasa' (gross/blatant).

3

Su vida fue una sucesión de equivocaciones encadenadas.

His life was a succession of chained mistakes.

Metaphorical 'encadenadas'.

4

La equivocación radica en la premisa inicial.

The mistake lies in the initial premise.

Verb 'radicar en' (to lie in/be rooted in).

5

No hay margen para la equivocación en esta misión.

There is no room for error in this mission.

Set phrase 'margen para'.

6

La equivocación histórica ha sido finalmente subsanada.

The historical mistake has finally been remedied.

Formal verb 'subsanar'.

7

Es una equivocación flagrante que no admite excusa.

It is a flagrant mistake that admits no excuse.

Adjective 'flagrante'.

8

La sutil equivocación cambió el curso de la historia.

The subtle mistake changed the course of history.

Adjective 'sutil' (subtle).

Colocações comuns

cometer una equivocación
por equivocación
equivocación garrafal
admitir una equivocación
rectificar una equivocación
pequeña equivocación
equivocación de juicio
corregir una equivocación
sin temor a equivocación
equivocación comprensible

Frases Comuns

Fue una equivocación mía.

— It was my mistake. Used to take personal responsibility.

Lo siento, fue una equivocación mía al anotar el número.

Disculpe la equivocación.

— Excuse the mistake. A standard polite apology.

Disculpe la equivocación, le traeré el plato correcto ahora mismo.

Ha habido una equivocación.

— There has been a mistake. A neutral way to point out an error.

Parece que ha habido una equivocación con mi reserva.

Aprender de las equivocaciones.

— To learn from mistakes. A common educational or motivational phrase.

Lo importante es aprender de las equivocaciones pasadas.

Reconocer la equivocación.

— To recognize the mistake. Focuses on the act of awareness.

Debes reconocer tu equivocación si quieres mejorar.

Sin margen de equivocación.

— With no room for error. Used in high-stakes situations.

Esta operación debe hacerse sin margen de equivocación.

Una equivocación tras otra.

— One mistake after another. Describes a series of failures.

El equipo cometió una equivocación tras otra durante el partido.

Salvo equivocación por mi parte.

— Unless I am mistaken. A formal way to hedge a statement.

La reunión es a las cinco, salvo equivocación por mi parte.

Caer en la equivocación.

— To fall into the mistake. Implies being misled or making a common error.

Es fácil caer en la equivocación de juzgar por las apariencias.

Fruto de una equivocación.

— The result of a mistake. Explains the origin of a situation.

Su fortuna fue fruto de una equivocación bancaria.

Frequentemente confundido com

equivocación vs error

Error is more technical; equivocación is more human.

equivocación vs equivocado

Equivocado is the adjective (mistaken); equivocación is the noun (mistake).

equivocación vs equívoco

Equívoco means ambiguous or a misunderstanding, often used as an adjective or noun for double meanings.

Expressões idiomáticas

"El que tiene boca se equivoca."

— Everyone makes mistakes. Literally: He who has a mouth makes mistakes.

No te preocupes por el error, el que tiene boca se equivoca.

informal/proverb
"Errar es de humanos."

— To err is human. A classic idiom about the inevitability of mistakes.

No seas tan duro contigo mismo, errar es de humanos.

neutral/proverb
"Meter la pata."

— To put one's foot in it / to mess up. While not using the word, it's the idiomatic equivalent of 'cometer una equivocación'.

Metí la pata al decirle el secreto.

informal
"Dar un traspié."

— To stumble or make a mistake. Figurative use of physical tripping.

Cualquiera puede dar un traspié en su carrera.

neutral
"Ir por mal camino."

— To be on the wrong track. Implies a sustained 'equivocación' in direction.

Si sigues así, vas por mal camino.

neutral
"No dar pie con bola."

— To not get anything right. Used when someone is making constant mistakes.

Hoy no doy pie con bola, he cometido mil equivocaciones.

informal
"Pagar el pato."

— To take the blame (often for someone else's mistake).

Yo no cometí la equivocación, pero me tocó pagar el pato.

informal
"Estar en un error."

— To be mistaken. A common alternative to 'estar equivocado'.

Creo que usted está en un error.

formal
"Sacar de su error."

— To show someone that they are mistaken.

Tuve que sacarlo de su error porque estaba muy convencido.

neutral
"Caer en la cuenta."

— To realize (often that one has made a mistake).

Al final caí en la cuenta de mi equivocación.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

equivocación vs errata

Both mean mistake.

Errata is specifically for writing or printing errors.

Encontré una errata en el periódico.

equivocación vs descuido

Both involve doing something wrong.

Descuido is carelessness; equivocación is a wrong choice or belief.

Fue un descuido dejar la puerta abierta.

equivocación vs fracaso

Both are negative outcomes.

Fracaso is a failure of a whole project; equivocación is a specific error.

El negocio fue un fracaso total.

equivocación vs falta

Both mean error or lack.

Falta is often used for sports fouls or missing items.

El jugador cometió una falta.

equivocación vs culpabilidad

Both relate to who is responsible.

Culpabilidad is the state of being guilty; equivocación is the error itself.

Siente mucha culpabilidad por su equivocación.

Padrões de frases

A1

Es una [adjective] equivocación.

Es una pequeña equivocación.

A2

[Verb] por equivocación.

Vino aquí por equivocación.

B1

Cometer una equivocación al [infinitive].

Cometí una equivocación al hablar.

B2

La equivocación se debe a [noun].

La equivocación se debe al estrés.

C1

Admitir la equivocación le [verb].

Admitir la equivocación le honra.

C1

Sin temor a equivocación, [clause].

Sin temor a equivocación, esto es arte.

C2

Una equivocación de tal magnitud que [clause].

Una equivocación de tal magnitud que cambió todo.

C2

La equivocación radica en [noun phrase].

La equivocación radica en el concepto inicial.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

equivocación
equivocador (one who mistakes - rare)

Verbos

equivocar
equivocarse

Adjetivos

equivocado
equívoco

Relacionado

error
errar
erróneo
errático
errabundo

Como usar

frequency

High. It is one of the top 2000 words in Spanish.

Erros comuns
  • El equivocación La equivocación

    The word is feminine because it ends in -ción. Using the masculine article is a common error for beginners.

  • Hacer una equivocación Cometer una equivocación

    In Spanish, mistakes are 'committed' (cometer), not 'made' (hacer).

  • Equivocaciónes Equivocaciones

    The accent mark is removed in the plural form because the stress no longer requires it according to Spanish rules.

  • Tengo una equivocación (meaning 'I am wrong') Estoy equivocado/a

    To say 'I am wrong,' use the adjective 'equivocado' with the verb 'estar,' not the noun 'equivocación.'

  • Por una equivocación (meaning 'by mistake') Por equivocación

    The fixed phrase for 'by mistake' is 'por equivocación,' usually without the indefinite article.

Dicas

The -ción Rule

Remember that almost all nouns ending in -ción are feminine. This will help you with 'equivocación' and thousands of other words like 'estación' or 'nación'.

Accent Mark

Don't forget the tilde on the 'o' in 'equivocación'. It's essential for correct pronunciation and writing. But remember to drop it in 'equivocaciones'!

Admitting Mistakes

Saying 'fue una equivocación mía' is a very polite and sophisticated way to apologize in Spanish. It sounds much better than just saying 'lo siento'.

Verb Pairing

Always pair 'equivocación' with 'cometer'. While 'hacer' is understood, 'cometer' is the linguistically correct collocation for making a mistake.

Human Element

Use 'equivocación' when you want to emphasize that the mistake was a human error or a misunderstanding, rather than a mechanical failure.

The Mouth Rule

Learn the saying 'El que tiene boca se equivoca'. It's a great way to sound more like a native and show you understand Spanish culture.

Professionalism

In an office, use 'rectificar la equivocación' to show you are proactive about fixing a problem. It sounds very professional.

Final Syllable

Pay attention to the stress at the end of the word. If you hear the stress on 'ción', you know it's a noun like 'equivocación'.

Clarification

Use 'salvo equivocación' in your formal writing to hedge your statements. It shows you are careful and humble.

Soft V

Try to pronounce the 'v' in 'equivocación' softly, almost like a 'b'. This will make your accent sound much more authentic.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Equi' (Equal) + 'Vocal' (Voice). If you give two different things the same 'equal voice,' you've made an 'equivocación' (mistake) because you've confused them!

Associação visual

Imagine a signpost at a fork in the road where both signs say the same name. You choose the wrong one because of the 'equivocación' (equal names).

Word Web

error equivocarse fallo desliz pifia rectificar cometer admitir

Desafio

Try to use 'equivocación' three times today: once to apologize, once to describe an accident, and once to talk about a learning experience.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'aequivocatio', which comes from 'aequivocus'. It is composed of 'aequus' (equal) and 'vox' (voice/name).

Significado original: The original sense was 'calling different things by the same name,' which leads to confusion or ambiguity.

It is a Romance word, shared across French (équivoque), Italian (equivoco), and Portuguese (equívoco).

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to sound too defensive. 'Fue una equivocación' is better than 'No fue mi culpa' (It wasn't my fault).

English speakers often default to 'error' or 'mistake,' but 'equivocación' feels more natural in Spanish for personal situations.

The play 'La equivocación' (The Mistake) - multiple theatrical works. The song 'Equivocada' by Thalía. Cervantes' 'Don Quixote' is full of 'equivocaciones' of perception.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Customer Service

  • Disculpe la equivocación.
  • Ha habido una equivocación con su pedido.
  • Vamos a corregir la equivocación ahora mismo.
  • Lamentamos la equivocación.

Education

  • Busca la equivocación en el texto.
  • Es una equivocación común entre los alumnos.
  • No tengas miedo a la equivocación.
  • Aprende de tus equivocaciones.

Social Relationships

  • Fue una equivocación mía, lo siento.
  • Te llamé por equivocación.
  • No quiero que haya ninguna equivocación entre nosotros.
  • Fue una equivocación de mi parte.

Workplace

  • Cometí una equivocación en el informe.
  • Debemos rectificar esta equivocación.
  • Fue una equivocación estratégica.
  • Se detectó una equivocación en los datos.

Legal/Official

  • Equivocación de identidad.
  • Salvo equivocación u omisión.
  • Rectificar una equivocación pública.
  • Equivocación de hecho.

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Cuál ha sido tu equivocación más divertida hablando español?"

"¿Crees que es importante admitir una equivocación rápidamente en el trabajo?"

"¿Recuerdas alguna equivocación famosa de un político en tu país?"

"¿Cómo sueles reaccionar cuando cometes una equivocación en público?"

"¿Alguna vez has tomado un tren o autobús por equivocación?"

Temas para diário

Escribe sobre una equivocación que cometiste recientemente y qué aprendiste de ella.

Describe una situación en la que una equivocación de identidad causó un problema divertido.

Reflexiona sobre la frase 'el que tiene boca se equivoca'. ¿Estás de acuerdo?

Escribe una carta de disculpa formal por una equivocación en un proyecto imaginario.

¿Cómo ha cambiado tu actitud hacia las equivocaciones desde que empezaste a aprender español?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Es femenina. Siempre se dice 'la equivocación' o 'una equivocación'. Esto se debe a que la mayoría de las palabras que terminan en -ción en español son femeninas.

Usa 'error' para cosas técnicas como matemáticas, computación o ciencia. Usa 'equivocación' para decisiones humanas, malentendidos o errores de juicio personal.

Se dice 'por equivocación'. Por ejemplo: 'Me llevé tu paraguas por equivocación' (I took your umbrella by mistake).

El plural es 'equivocaciones'. Recuerda que en el plural se pierde el acento escrito en la 'o'.

El verbo es 'equivocarse'. Es un verbo reflexivo. Por ejemplo: 'Yo me equivoqué' (I was mistaken/wrong).

Es mejor decir 'cometer una equivocación'. En español, los errores y las equivocaciones se 'cometen', no se 'hacen'.

Significa un error muy grande o monumental. Es una expresión común para enfatizar la gravedad de la equivocación.

No hay una versión corta oficial, pero en contextos muy informales la gente usa 'fallo' o 'pifia' si quieren una palabra más breve.

Se pronuncia como una 'k' fuerte. La 'u' es muda. Suena como 'e-ki-vo-ca-ción'.

Sí, la palabra se usa y se entiende perfectamente en todos los países de habla hispana con el mismo significado.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'equivocación' and 'pequeña'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'por equivocación'.

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writing

Write a short apology for a mistake at work using 'equivocación'.

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writing

Explain a 'equivocación garrafal' you have seen in a movie.

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writing

Discuss the importance of 'rectificar una equivocación' in politics.

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writing

Write a short paragraph about 'la equivocación humana' using formal vocabulary.

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writing

Describe a time you called someone 'por equivocación'.

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writing

Compare 'error' and 'equivocación' in three sentences.

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writing

Translate: 'It was a silly mistake'.

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writing

Translate: 'I don't want to make a mistake'.

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writing

Use 'la equivocación' in a question.

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writing

Use 'equivocaciones' (plural) in a sentence.

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writing

Write: 'Excuse the mistake, please'.

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writing

Write: 'The mistake was due to the map'.

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writing

Use the phrase 'sin temor a equivocación'.

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writing

Use the word 'subsanar' with 'equivocación'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a mistake in a restaurant.

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writing

Write about a 'equivocación de juicio'.

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Write: 'I took your bag by mistake'.

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writing

Write: 'Learning from mistakes is good'.

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'equivocación' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I made a mistake' in Spanish.

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speaking

Explain a small mistake you made today.

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speaking

Roleplay: Apologize to a boss for a 'equivocación' in a report.

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speaking

Discuss if 'equivocaciones' are necessary for learning.

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speaking

Debate the concept: 'El que tiene boca se equivoca'.

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speaking

Say 'It is a mistake' in Spanish.

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speaking

Say 'I am sorry, it was my mistake'.

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speaking

Describe a 'por equivocación' moment.

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speaking

Explain how to 'rectificar una equivocación'.

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speaking

Repeat: 'La equivocación'.

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speaking

Say the plural form 'equivocaciones'.

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speaking

Say: 'I almost made a mistake'.

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speaking

Use 'garrafal' in a sentence about a mistake.

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speaking

Explain 'equivocación de identidad'.

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Use 'subsanar' in a professional context.

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speaking

Ask someone if they made a mistake.

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speaking

Tell a short story about a wrong turn while driving.

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speaking

Say: 'It was a common mistake'.

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Say: 'We learn from our mistakes'.

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listening

Listen to the word: 'Equivocación'. Identify the last syllable.

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listening

Listen to: 'Lo hice por equivocación'. Why did they do it?

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listening

Listen to a dialogue about a wrong bill. Identify the word 'equivocación'.

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listening

Listen to a news clip. Is the 'equivocación' described as 'garrafal' or 'pequeña'?

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listening

Listen to a lecture. What is the 'equivocación de juicio' being discussed?

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listening

How many times did you hear 'equivocación' in this sentence?

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listening

Identify the gender of the noun in the phrase 'una equivocación'.

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listening

Listen to: 'No fue mi equivocación'. Who is the speaker blaming?

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listening

Identify the verb used with 'equivocación' in the recording.

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Listen for the synonym 'desliz' in the conversation.

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listening

Listen to the apology. Was it formal or informal?

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listening

Listen for the plural form 'equivocaciones'.

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Listen to: 'Es una equivocación tonta'. What adjective was used?

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listening

Listen to: 'Hay una equivocación en el mapa'. Where is the error?

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listening

Listen for the word 'subsanar' in a formal speech.

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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