Misspoke Meaning in English

word · lemma: misspeak

US

mɪˈspoʊk/, /mɪsˈspoʊk

mih-SPOHK

UK

mɪsspˈəʊk

mih-SPOHK

Definition

To say something by mistake, usually using the wrong word or saying something incorrect while speaking.

Usage & Nuances

More formal than 'said the wrong thing.' Common in public speaking, apologies, or interviews. Often used to politely admit a minor error in what was said. "I misspoke" takes responsibility for a mistake without sounding too harsh.

• Spanish: me equivoqué al hablar - dije algo incorrecto
• Portuguese (BR): falei errado - disse algo errado
• Portuguese (PT): falei errado - disse algo errado
• Chinese (Simplified): 口误 - 说错话
• Chinese (Traditional): 口誤 - 說錯話
• Hindi: गलत बोल गया/गई
• Arabic: أخطأت في الكلام
• Bengali: ভুলভাবে বলেছিলাম - ভুলভাবে বলেছে
• Russian: оговорился
• Japanese: 言い間違えた
• Vietnamese: nói nhầm
• Korean: 말실수하다
• Turkish: yanlış konuşmak - yanlışlıkla söylemek
• Urdu: غلطی سے کہہ دیا
• Indonesian: salah bicara

Example Sentences

I misspoke during the meeting and gave the wrong number.

basic

Sorry, I misspoke. The class starts at 10 a.m., not 11.

basic

He quickly admitted that he misspoke when asked about the date.

basic

If I misspoke, let me clarify what I meant.

natural

Politicians often say they misspoke instead of admitting to a mistake.

natural

Oh, I misspoke earlier—what I meant was next Friday, not this Friday.

natural