mistake
word
/mɪˈsteɪk/
mi-STAYK
/mɪstˈeɪk/
mi-STAYK
Definition
Something that is not correct, usually because someone did something wrong or made an error.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal English. Use 'make a mistake', not 'do a mistake'. Can refer to small errors (like spelling) or serious ones (life decisions). 'By mistake' means accidentally.
Spanish: error - equivocaciónPortuguese (BR): erro - enganoPortuguese (PT): erro - enganoChinese (Simplified): 错误 - 失误Chinese (Traditional): 錯誤 - 失誤Hindi: गलतीArabic: خطأBengali: ভুল - ত্রুটিRussian: ошибкаJapanese: 間違いVietnamese: sai lầm - lỗiKorean: 실수Turkish: hataUrdu: غلطیIndonesian: kesalahan
Example Sentences
Anyone can make a mistake sometimes.
natural
I made a mistake on the test.
basic
Please correct your mistake.
basic
It was just a mistake.
basic
Sorry, I sent the email to the wrong person by mistake.
natural
It’s no big deal—just learn from your mistakes.
natural