A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "My mistake" in Spanish
A polite way to admit you made a mistake in Spanish, showing responsibility and respect.
Fue mi error
fweh mee eh-RORneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've accidentally caused a problem, like spilling a drink or giving incorrect information. It's a good way to take responsibility without making a big deal of it.
Alternatives
- PerdónUse this for minor oopsies, like bumping into someone.
- DisculpaA slightly more formal apology than 'perdón', good for general apologies.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'error' with 'errar'
'Error' is the noun for mistake; 'errar' is the verb 'to err' or 'to miss'.
Using 'mi error' instead of 'mi error'
The possessive 'mi' needs to come before the noun 'error' to mean 'my mistake'.
A small cultural note
Taking responsibility for mistakes is generally appreciated across Latin America. This phrase is a straightforward and effective way to do so.
Frequently asked
what is the difference between fue mi error and fue un error?
'Fue mi error' means 'it was my mistake,' directly assigning blame to yourself. 'Fue un error' means 'it was a mistake,' which is more general and doesn't specify who made it.
how to say my bad in spanish?
For a very casual 'my bad,' you might hear 'fue culpa mía' or simply 'culpa mía.' 'Fue mi error' is a bit more formal but still very common.
when to use perdón vs disculpa vs fue mi error?
Use 'perdón' for very minor things, 'disculpa' for general apologies, and 'fue mi error' when you want to clearly state that you were the one who made the mistake.
