过错

• Pinyin: guò cuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 过 = 辶 + 咼 — to go past a boundary, transgress; 错 = 金 (metal) + 昔 (past) — metal gone past its proper use, hence a mistake

Meaning

Fault; mistake; error — especially one that causes harm or wrongdoing to others.

More formal and serious than 错误, often implying moral or legal accountability. Used in legal proceedings, ethical discussions, and solemn interpersonal apologies. Collocates with 承担 (bear responsibility), 追究 (investigate accountability), and 弥补 (make amends).

Examples

1. 法院最终认定，此次事故的主要过错在于施工方违规操作。 The court ultimately determined that the primary fault for this accident lay with the contractor's illegal operations.
2. 他勇于承认自己的过错，并主动向受害方作出了赔偿。 He had the courage to admit his mistake and proactively compensated the injured party.
3. 这件事不能全归咎于他，双方都有一定的过错。 You can't pin all of this on him—both sides bear some responsibility.

Usage Guide

Context: law, ethics, accountability, apology

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 作为项目负责人，他应当为此次事故承担相应的过错责任。(As the project head, he should bear the corresponding liability for fault in this accident.)
• 双方协商后达成共识，各自承认过错并握手言和。(After negotiation, both parties reached a consensus, each acknowledging their fault and reconciling.)

Don't Say

• 这只是个小过错而已 — 过错 carries connotations of serious wrongdoing; for minor slip-ups say 小失误 or 小错误

Origin & History

过 (to transgress, to pass a boundary) + 错 (mistake, wrong)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal