錯 (cuò) - Wrong, mistaken, error & fault, blunder

錯Tone 4

cuò ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

錯 · cuò

Wrong, mistaken, error;

fault, blunder;

to miss, to err;

to cross, to interlock;

intricate, complex;

to grind, to polish.

Wrong, mistaken, errorfault, blunderto miss, to err

Usage highlights

MistakeWrongTo miss an opportunityTo apologizeTo interlockIntricate

Synonyms

  • 误— error, mistake
  • 谬— false, erroneous
  • 差— difference, discrepancy

Antonyms

  • 对— correct, right
  • 正— proper, correct

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I made a mistake (我错了).
  • This is the wrong answer (错误的答案).
  • The train missed its connection (火车错过连接).
  • Ancient coins were often polished (错刀).

Collocations

  • Mistake(错误)
  • Wrong(错的)
  • To miss an opportunity(错过)
  • To apologize(认错)
  • To interlock(交错)
  • Intricate(错综)

Idioms

  • Numerous and complicated(错综复杂)
  • To miss by a hair(失之交臂)
  • To pile error upon error(错上加错)
  • To confuse right and wrong(颠倒是非)
  • To admit one's mistake(认错服输)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to inlaid metalwork or gold/silver decoration in ancient times.
  • In Confucian thought, making and admitting mistakes is seen as virtuous self-correction.
  • Used in historical contexts for coinage (错刀) and intricate metal craftsmanship.

FAQ