número equivocado
/numeɾo ekibokado/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for 'wrong phone number' is número equivocado.
The phrase is used to describe a telephone number that is incorrect or does not belong to the person being called. If you answer a call and realize the caller has dialed the wrong number, a common way to say 'You have the wrong number' is Se ha equivocado de número.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of número (number) and equivocado (wrong/mistaken).
Which one should you use?
While número equivocado is a standard way to express the idea, número erróneo can also be used to describe an incorrect number, often appearing in more technical or formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective equivocado must agree in gender and number with the noun número. Since número is masculine singular, the adjective remains equivocado.
Did you know?
- While calling a number 'wrong' is número equivocado, if you make a mistake in a task, you might say you 'metiste la pata', which literally translates to 'you put your paw in'.
- While equivocado means 'wrong' in this context, it comes from the Latin roots for 'equal' and 'voice'. This originally described a word that sounds the same as another but has a different meaning.
- The verb used in the phrase, equivocarse, is reflexive in Spanish, meaning you often say me he equivocado (I have mistaken myself) rather than just 'I was wrong'.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, pero este número de teléfono no es correcto.I'm sorry, but this phone number is not correct.
- El número de teléfono es incorrecto. Permítame verificarlo y proporcionarle el número correcto.The phone number is incorrect. Let me verify it and provide you with the correct number.
- El número de teléfono está mal. Permíteme corregirlo.The phone number is wrong. Let me correct it.
- ¡Ups, me equivoqué en el número de teléfono! ¿Puedes dármelo de nuevo?Oops, I made a mistake with the phone number! Can you give it to me again?
- Creo que es un número equivocado.I think it is a wrong number.
- Lo siento, marcaste un número equivocado.I'm sorry, you dialed a wrong number.
- Me diste un número equivocado.You gave me a wrong number.
Example conversation
Daniel calls Elena by mistake.
- DanielHola, ¿está María?Hello, is María there?
- ElenaNo, creo que tiene el número equivocado.No, I think you have the wrong phone number.
- DanielPerdón, me dieron un número equivocado.Sorry, I was given a wrong phone number.
- ElenaNo hay problema, Daniel. Adiós.No problem, Daniel. Goodbye.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
