What does it mean word for word?
The phrase error administrativo is literally an "administrative error". Spanish does not use the word "clerical" to mean office-related work in this context.
Which one should you use?
If the error specifically involves miscopying or miswriting data, error de transcripción is a more precise alternative. Additionally, error de papeleo can be used as an informal way to say "paperwork error".
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, change the noun error to errores and the adjective administrativo to administrativos, resulting in errores administrativos.
How do you pronounce it?
/eroɾ administɾatibo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using error clerical. In Spanish, the word "clerical" refers almost exclusively to the clergy or the church, so using it to describe an office error is incorrect.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word error shares a root with the English word 'errant', as both derive from a Latin term meaning to wander or stray from a path.
- In Spanish, the word papeleo doesn't just mean 'paperwork', but specifically evokes the feeling of a tedious or overwhelming bureaucratic burden.
- If you use the word clerical to describe an office mistake, a Spanish speaker will assume you are talking about a mistake made by a priest or member of the clergy.
Examples in context
- Perdón, cometí un error de papeleo en tu solicitud de empleo.Sorry, I made a clerical error on your job application.
- El banco cometió un error administrativo en mi estado de cuenta.The bank made a clerical error on my bank statement.
- Disculpa, cometí un error de digitación en tu dirección de envío.Sorry, I made a clerical error in your shipping address.
- Hay un error material en el contrato de arrendamiento.There is a clerical error in the lease agreement.
- Fue un simple error administrativo en el registro.It was a simple clerical error in the registry.
- El error administrativo cambió el monto total.The clerical error changed the total amount.
- Debemos corregir este error administrativo de inmediato.We must correct this clerical error immediately.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a mistake in a monthly report at the office.
- Javier¿Por qué el saldo es incorrecto, Lucía?Why is the balance incorrect, Lucía?
- LucíaLo siento, fue un error administrativo en la factura.I'm sorry, it was a clerical error in the invoice.
- JavierEntiendo, pero necesito el documento corregido.I understand, but I need the corrected document.
- LucíaLo arreglaré ahora mismo, Javier.I will fix it right now, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries administrativo, error, CC BY-SA 4.0.
