How to Say ‘Make a Mistake’ in Portuguese: Cometer um Erro
Use cometer um erro, errar, and enganar-se to explain different kinds of mistakes in Portuguese.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Cometer um erro is a common way to say “make a mistake.” Use erro for an error or mistake, and engano for a mix-up or misunderstanding.
Use cometer um erro for making an error
Cometi um erro ao preencher o formulário.
I made a mistake while filling out the form.
Foi um engano; mandei a mensagem para a pessoa errada.
It was a mix-up; I sent the message to the wrong person.
Use errar for a concise statement
Errar means to make an error or get something wrong. It can be followed by a noun or used on its own. For an accidental misunderstanding, enganar-se often emphasizes that you were mistaken.
Errei o número do apartamento.
I got the apartment number wrong.
Posso ter me enganado sobre o horário.
I may have been mistaken about the time.
Acknowledge the mistake and correct it
If the error affected someone else, name what happened and explain the correction. Desculpa, me enganei sounds natural when you have mistaken a fact; preciso corrigir is useful for a written error.
Desculpa, me enganei sobre o dia. A reunião é na quinta.
Sorry, I was mistaken about the day. The meeting is on Thursday.
Percebi o erro e já corrigi o documento.
I noticed the mistake and have already corrected the document.
Put it into practice
Cometer um erro is a general phrase; errar and enganar-se help describe the specific mistake.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I got the apartment number wrong”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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