Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| errata | /eˈrata/ | feminine |
| gazapo | /ɡaˈθapo/ /ɡaˈsapo/ |
masculine |
| dedazo | /deˈdaθo/ /deˈdaso/ |
masculine |
| error tipográfico | /eroɾ tipoɡɾafiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| error de dedo | /eroɾ de dedo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| error dactilográfico | /eroɾ daɡtiloɡɾafiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| error de tecleo | /eroɾ de tekleo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| taipo | /ˈtaipo/ | masculine |
You can use gazapo, errata or taipo to refer to the mistake itself. The term dedazo is often used to describe a mistake made by hitting the wrong key, but it can also imply a mistake made through carelessness or a 'slip of the finger'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase error de dedo literally translates to 'finger error'.
Which one should you use?
Error tipográfico is the formal way to say 'typographical error', while error de dedo is a common, colloquial way to describe a typo in everyday conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal contexts, use error tipográfico. In everyday, colloquial conversation, error de dedo is a common way to describe a typo.
How does it change in a sentence?
Errata is a feminine noun, while gazapo, dedazo, error tipográfico, error de dedo, error dactilográfico, error de tecleo and taipo are all masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈrata/
Did you know?
- The word dedazo can be used metaphorically to describe an arbitrary or heavy-handed decision made without proper thought.
- The word gazapo used to mean a young rabbit, but in many contexts it refers specifically to a mistake in a printed text.
- While errata is used as a singular noun for a typo in common speech, it is actually a plural form borrowed from the Latin neuter plural errāta, meaning 'mistaken things'.
Examples in context
- Fue un error de dedo.It was a typo.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the colloquial phrase error de dedo.Tatoeba #9466117 by dpcossio, translation #9466112 by DJ_Saidez
- Por favor, revise el documento en busca de errores tipográficos.Please review the document for typographical errors.
- El libro tiene un fallo de edición en la página 72.The book has an editing error on page 72.
- Hay una errata en el correo que me enviaste.There's a typo in the email you sent me.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are reviewing a shared document.
- DanielSofía, creo que encontré una errata aquí.Sofía, I think I found a typo here.
- SofíaTienes razón, Daniel. ¿Dónde está?You're right, Daniel. Where is it?
- DanielEstá en el segundo párrafo.It's in the second paragraph.
- SofíaYa la corregí, gracias.I fixed it already, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “typo” translations and entries errata, gazapo, dedazo, taipo, 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 dedazo, errata, error, gazapo, tipográfico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
