My mistake
Acknowledging error
Use `my mistake` to quickly own a small error and keep the conversation friendly.
En 15 segundos
- A short way to admit you were wrong.
- Best for small errors and misunderstandings.
- Shows politeness without being overly dramatic.
Significado
This is a simple way to say you did something wrong. It is like saying 'I am sorry' but specifically for a small error or a misunderstanding.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Ordering food
Oh, I wanted the salad, not the soup. My mistake!
Oh, I wanted the salad, not the soup. My mistake!
In a business meeting
I have the wrong date on the slide. My mistake, I will fix it.
I have the wrong date on the slide. My mistake, I will fix it.
Texting a friend
I thought we were meeting at 6! My mistake, see you at 7.
I thought we were meeting at 6! My mistake, see you at 7.
Contexto cultural
This phrase reflects a Western cultural value of individual accountability for small actions. It became a standard social 'reset button' in the mid-20th century to avoid awkwardness. In many English-speaking cultures, admitting a small error immediately is seen as more professional than making excuses.
The 'Quick Fix' Rule
Say it immediately! The faster you say `my mistake`, the faster people forget you even made one.
Don't Overuse It
If you say `my mistake` ten times a day, people might think you are careless. Use it only when it's true!
En 15 segundos
- A short way to admit you were wrong.
- Best for small errors and misunderstandings.
- Shows politeness without being overly dramatic.
What It Means
My mistake is a quick way to take responsibility. It shows you know you made a small error. It is friendly and direct. You are not asking for deep forgiveness. You are just saying, "Oops, I got that wrong."
How To Use It
Use it when you realize you are wrong. You can say it alone. You can also add it to a sentence. For example, "I sent the wrong link. My mistake!" It works best for small things. Think of it as a verbal shrug. It keeps the conversation moving smoothly. Use it to be polite without being too dramatic.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant if you order the wrong dish. Use it at work if you miss a typo. Use it when texting if you misread a message. It is perfect for those "oops" moments in life. If you accidentally sit in someone's seat, say it. It shows you are a nice person who pays attention.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for huge problems. If you crash a friend's car, my mistake is too small. It will sound like you don't care! Do not use it if you hurt someone's feelings deeply. In those cases, use a full "I am so sorry." Also, avoid it in very legal situations. It is a social phrase, not a legal confession.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to be polite but efficient. We don't always want a long apology. My mistake is a "social lubricant." It fixes small social friction quickly. In the US and UK, taking ownership of small errors is seen as confident. It shows you are honest and not defensive. It is a sign of good manners in a fast-paced world.
Common Variations
My bad(Very casual, use with friends)My apologies(More formal, use with a boss)That’s on me(Modern and cool way to take blame)Whoops(Very informal for physical accidents)I stand corrected(Use this after someone proves you wrong)
Notas de uso
The phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safer than 'my bad' but less stiff than 'I apologize.'
The 'Quick Fix' Rule
Say it immediately! The faster you say `my mistake`, the faster people forget you even made one.
Don't Overuse It
If you say `my mistake` ten times a day, people might think you are careless. Use it only when it's true!
The 'My Bad' Secret
In the US, younger people almost always say `my bad` instead of `my mistake`. Save `my mistake` for people you don't know well.
Ejemplos
6Oh, I wanted the salad, not the soup. My mistake!
Oh, I wanted the salad, not the soup. My mistake!
Correcting a small order error politely.
I have the wrong date on the slide. My mistake, I will fix it.
I have the wrong date on the slide. My mistake, I will fix it.
Professional way to admit a typo.
I thought we were meeting at 6! My mistake, see you at 7.
I thought we were meeting at 6! My mistake, see you at 7.
Fixing a scheduling confusion.
I've been talking to a plant for five minutes. My mistake!
I've been talking to a plant for five minutes. My mistake!
Using the phrase to laugh at one's own silliness.
I should have turned left back there. My mistake.
I should have turned left back there. My mistake.
Admitting a simple navigational error.
I called you Steve, but your name is Stan. My mistake!
I called you Steve, but your name is Stan. My mistake!
A polite way to fix a social slip-up.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence after realizing you sent an email to the wrong person.
I sent that report to the wrong department. ___.
`My mistake` is the perfect way to take responsibility for a small office error.
Which phrase is too casual for a meeting with your CEO but fits with friends?
I forgot to bring the snacks! ___!
`My bad` is a very informal variation of `my mistake` used with friends.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of Admitting Errors
Very casual with close friends.
My bad!
Perfect for almost any situation.
My mistake.
Professional or serious settings.
My apologies.
When to say 'My Mistake'
Coffee Shop
Picking up the wrong cup.
Office
Typo in an email.
Home
Forgetting to buy milk.
Street
Bumping into someone.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasClose, but not exactly. I'm sorry focuses on your feelings of regret, while my mistake focuses on the fact that you were wrong.
Yes, it is very common in offices for small things like typos or wrong meeting times. It shows you are honest.
Yes, it is neutral. However, if the error is very big, you might want to say I apologize instead.
My bad is very informal slang. Use my mistake with strangers or in professional settings.
You can, but most people just shorten it to my mistake. It sounds more natural and quick.
If it's a physical bump, yes. If you hurt their feelings, my mistake sounds too cold; use I'm sorry instead.
Yes, it is used globally across the English-speaking world, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
You can say No problem, No worries, or It's okay. This completes the polite exchange.
In conversation, yes. You don't need a subject or a verb; just the two words work perfectly.
Yes, adding That was makes it slightly more formal and emphasizes the specific action you are talking about.
Frases relacionadas
My bad
Very casual slang for admitting a small error.
My apologies
A more formal way to say you are sorry.
I stand corrected
Used when someone proves that what you just said was wrong.
That's on me
Taking full responsibility for a situation or a bill.
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