faute
/fot/feminine
The English phrase 'mistake' is translated into French as faute. Wiktionary also lists erreur and mistake.
Meaning: error (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| faute | /fot/ | feminine |
| erreur | /e.ʁœʁ/ | feminine |
| mistake | [mi.stɛk] (Louisiana, narrow) [mɪ.steɪk] (Louisiana, narrow) |
masculine |
In French, there are several ways to express the concept of a mistake depending on the context. erreur is a common and general term for a mistake used in formal contexts, while faute often implies a moral error, a failure in duty or a mistake in a game/sport. When referring specifically to a spelling mistake, French uses faute d'orthographe.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the nature of the mistake. erreur is the preferred term for technical, mathematical or factual inaccuracies. In contrast, faute can imply a lack of care or a breach of rules. maladresse refers to a clumsy or awkward mistake, often related to physical actions or social interactions.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/fot/
Did you know?
- While faute means 'mistake', it is also the root of the word faillite, which means 'bankruptcy'. In this context, the mistake is a financial failure.
- In a religious context, faute is often used to translate the concept of 'sin', reflecting its meaning as a moral error or failure in duty.
- In French, faute is used in sports to describe a 'foul', such as in football or tennis. This blends the idea of a technical mistake with a violation of the rules.
Examples in context
- Où est l'erreur ?Where is the mistake?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of an erreur.Tatoeba #4662385 by sicerabibax, translation #3986686 by felvideki
- Ce fut une erreur.It was a mistake.This sentence is useful for describing a past event as an erreur.Tatoeba #1549611 by sacredceltic, translation #1548104 by Spamster
- Ça a été une erreur.This was a mistake.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific instance as an erreur.Tatoeba #1549612 by sacredceltic, translation #2548621 by CK
- J'ai commis une erreur dans mon rapport.I made a mistake in my report.
- Il a reconnu son erreur et s'est excusé.He admitted his mistake and apologized.
- C'est une grave faute professionnelle.It's a serious professional mistake.
- Il a fait une faute en ne respectant pas les règles.He made a mistake by not following the rules.
- Sa maladresse lui a coûté sa place dans l'équipe.His mistake cost him his place on the team.
- J'ai commis une maladresse en renversant mon café sur son ordinateur.I made a mistake by spilling my coffee on his computer.
- J'ai fait une petite boulette en perdant mes clés.I made a small mistake by losing my keys.
- Ne refais pas cette boulette la prochaine fois !Don't make that mistake again next time!
- 598 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are checking a homework assignment together.
- GabrielEst-ce que j'ai fait une faute ?Did I make a mistake?
- ChloéOui, il y a une petite faute ici.Yes, there is a small mistake here.
- GabrielOh, c'est ma faute, je suis désolé.Oh, it's my fault, I'm sorry.
- ChloéCe n'est pas grave, Nathan.It's not a problem, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mistake” translations and entries faute, erreur, mistake, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries erreur, faute, mistake, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
