Make a mistake Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈmeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /mɪˈsteɪk

MAYK uh mi-STAYK

UK

mˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /mɪstˈeɪk

MAYK uh mist-AYK

Definition

To do something incorrectly or not as planned; to be wrong about something.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often used in past tense ('I made a mistake'). Can apply to small errors or larger judgments. Do not say 'do a mistake'—the correct collocation is 'make a mistake.'

• Spanish: cometer un error - equivocarse
• Portuguese (BR): cometer um erro - errar
• Portuguese (PT): cometer um erro - enganar-se
• Chinese (Simplified): 犯错
• Chinese (Traditional): 犯錯
• Hindi: गलती करना
• Arabic: ارتكب خطأ
• Bengali: ভুল করা
• Russian: ошибаться - совершить ошибку
• Japanese: 間違える
• Vietnamese: mắc lỗi
• Korean: 실수하다
• Turkish: hata yapmak
• Urdu: غلطی کرنا
• Indonesian: membuat kesalahan - salah

Example Sentences

It's okay to make a mistake in class.

basic

If you make a mistake, just try again.

basic

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

basic

I definitely made a mistake ordering that spicy dish.

natural

We all make mistakes, so don’t be too hard on yourself.

natural

Did you ever make a mistake you couldn't fix?

natural