Meanings of 错
By ear
Play it, then pick what 错 means.
About 错
Podcast: 错
Podcast: 错
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 错
错误 (cuòwù) vs 错误 (cuòwù) — 错 is used more casually to indicate something is wrong, while 错误 is more formal and often refers to a mistake in judgment or a serious error.
Learners often confuse 错 with 对 (duì), which means 'correct'. 错 is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its tone; mispronouncing it can change its meaning. Common collocations include 错误 (cuòwù - mistake) and 错过 (cuòguò - to miss).
As an HSK Level 2 word, 错 connects with other basic vocabulary about errors and correctness. Focus on using it in sentences to describe common mistakes in everyday situations, which will help reinforce its meaning.
Learners sometimes use 错 when they mean 对 (duì), leading to incorrect phrases like '这是错' (zhè shì cuò - This is wrong) when they mean to say 'This is correct'. Be careful to use 错 only when indicating an error.
Pronunciation of 错
Drill the tone of 错 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 错 to You
Let me explain 错 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 错 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 错
Simplified form of 錯. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 昔 represents the sound. The character is based on the original meaning "grind stone", which later shifted to "mix", "be in disorder", and "wrong".
Gold 钅 that once was 昔 but is lost
Origin
What kind of character is 错?
Decomposition of 错
Parts
Which of these is part of 错?
How to say mistake in Chinese
“mistake” in Chinese is错
The character 错 (cuò) primarily means 'wrong' or 'mistake'. It can be used in various contexts, such as identifying errors in judgment or actions. Additionally, it can describe something that is incorrect or bad, and is often used in expressions related to mistakes or misunderstandings.
When to use 错
Learners often confuse 错 with 对 (duì), which means 'correct'. 错 is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its tone; mispronouncing it can change its meaning. Common collocations include 错误 (cuòwù - mistake) and 错过 (cuòguò - to miss).
错 or something close to it
错误 (cuòwù) vs 错误 (cuòwù) — 错 is used more casually to indicate something is wrong, while 错误 is more formal and often refers to a mistake in judgment or a serious error.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes use 错 when they mean 对 (duì), leading to incorrect phrases like '这是错' (zhè shì cuò - This is wrong) when they mean to say 'This is correct'. Be careful to use 错 only when indicating an error.
Write 错
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 错 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 错
错 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 15 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你写____了两个汉字。
You wrote two Chinese characters wrong.
Example Sentences for 错 (15)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 错?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 错
In Western cultures, mistakes are often viewed negatively, while in Chinese culture, they can be seen as valuable learning opportunities.
Word Family of 错
Words with 错
What does 不错 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 错
You can say '我错了' (wǒ cuò le), meaning 'I was wrong'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 错?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.