creencia errónea
/kɾeenθja eronea/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase 'misconception' can be translated into Spanish as creencia errónea. Wiktionary also lists concepción equivocada.
Meaning: a mistaken belief (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| creencia errónea | /kɾeenθja eronea/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kɾeensja eronea/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| concepción equivocada | /konθebθjon ekibokada/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /konsebsjon ekibokada/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
Both creencia errónea and concepción equivocada are used to express the idea of a mistaken belief.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase creencia errónea is composed of creencia (belief) and errónea (erroneous/wrong).
Which one should you use?
Creencia errónea is a general term that can refer to any false belief. In contrast, concepción equivocada is often used when referring to a conceptual misunderstanding or a flawed mental model.
How does it change in a sentence?
When pluralizing these phrases, both the noun and the adjective change to the feminine plural. For creencia errónea, the plural is creencias erróneas. For concepción equivocada, the plural is concepciones equivocadas.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word concepción can refer to a mental model but also specifically to the biological act of conception or the religious doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
- The word concepción is related to the Latin 'capiō', which means 'to seize' or 'to take', suggesting that a concept is something the mind 'seizes' or grasps.
- The word creencia shares a common ancestor with the English word 'incredible', as both stem from the idea of something being worthy of belief.
Examples in context
- Es importante evitar errores de interpretación basados en prejuicios.It is important to avoid misconceptions based on prejudices.
- La idea errónea de que todos los estereotipos son verdaderos limita nuestra comprensión del mundo.The misconception that all stereotypes are true limits our understanding of the world.
- No debemos sacar conclusiones basadas en concepciones equivocadas.We should not draw conclusions based on misconceptions.
- No se puede tomar como válido el informe debido a un equívoco en la metodología.The report cannot be considered valid due to a misconception in the methodology.
- No te dejes llevar por ese malentendido, todo es producto de rumores.Don't get carried away by that misconception, it's all just rumors.
- Tienes una idea equivocada, eso no es lo que realmente sucede.You have a misconception, that's not what really happens.
- Tienes una idea equivocada, eso no es lo que realmente está pasando.You have a misconception, that's not what is really happening.
- Es una creencia errónea que los perros ven en blanco y negro.It is a misconception that dogs see in black and white.
- Esa es una creencia errónea muy común.That is a very common misconception.
- Debemos corregir esa creencia errónea de inmediato.We must correct that misconception immediately.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a common myth about health.
- María¿Es verdad que el frío causa gripe?Is it true that the cold causes the flu?
- JavierNo, eso es solo una creencia errónea.No, that is just a misconception.
- MaríaVaya, me sorprendió mucho saber eso.Wow, that surprised me a lot to know that.
- JavierEs normal, mucha gente cree lo mismo.It's normal, many people believe the same thing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “misconception” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries concepción, creencia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
