错 (cuò) - Wrong, incorrect, mistake & fault, error

错Tone 4

cuò ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

错 · cuò

Wrong, incorrect, mistake;

fault, error;

cross, interlocking;

intricate, complex;

to miss, to pass by;

to arrange alternately;

to grind (jade);

(dialectal) bad, poor.

Wrong, incorrect, mistakefault, errorcross, interlocking

Usage highlights

MistakeWrongTo apologizeTo miss an opportunityFaultTo make an error

Synonyms

  • 误— mistake, error
  • 谬— false, erroneous
  • 过— fault, error

Antonyms

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

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I made a mistake (我错了).
  • This answer is wrong (错误的答案).
  • The train missed the connection (错过火车).
  • He apologized for his fault (认错).

Collocations

  • Mistake(错误)
  • Wrong(错的)
  • To apologize(认错)
  • To miss an opportunity(错过)
  • Fault(过错)
  • To make an error(出错)

Idioms

  • To miss by a hair(阴错阳差)
  • To pile error upon error(一错再错)
  • To admit one's mistakes(知错就改)
  • To make a foolish move in chess(一着不慎，满盘皆输)
  • To interlock like dog's teeth(犬牙交错)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted grinding jade stones, later extended to mean 'error' or 'wrong'.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, admitting mistakes (认错) is considered a virtue.
  • Used in the concept of 'missing' opportunities, reflecting the importance of timing in Chinese philosophy.

FAQ