comum erro
common mistake
Literalmente: common error
Use it to describe frequent, relatable slip-ups in a kind and neutral way.
En 15 segundos
- Refers to frequent, predictable mistakes made by many people.
- Usually phrased as 'erro comum' in natural conversation.
- Normalizes errors to make them feel less embarrassing.
Significado
This phrase describes a slip-up or error that happens all the time to many people. It is the perfect way to say 'that's a classic mistake' without sounding too harsh.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Correcting a language learner
Esquecer o gênero das palavras é um erro comum.
Forgetting the gender of words is a common mistake.
Discussing a work project
Não salvar o arquivo é um erro comum entre iniciantes.
Not saving the file is a common mistake among beginners.
Texting a friend about a date
Chegar cedo demais foi um erro comum, eu estava ansioso!
Arriving too early was a common mistake, I was anxious!
Contexto cultural
In Lusophone cultures, admitting to a 'common mistake' is a social lubricant that reduces tension. It is frequently used by teachers and mentors to encourage students by normalizing the struggle of learning. Interestingly, the word 'erro' comes from the Latin 'errare', which means to wander, suggesting that a mistake is just a temporary detour.
Word Order Matters
While 'comum erro' is understandable, 'erro comum' sounds much more like a native speaker. Put the noun first!
Don't say 'Fazer um erro'
In English, you 'make' a mistake. In Portuguese, you 'comet' one (`cometer um erro`). Using 'fazer' is actually an 'erro comum' for English speakers!
En 15 segundos
- Refers to frequent, predictable mistakes made by many people.
- Usually phrased as 'erro comum' in natural conversation.
- Normalizes errors to make them feel less embarrassing.
What It Means
Comum erro (or more naturally erro comum) refers to those frequent blunders we all make. It is about those predictable mistakes that happen when you are learning something new. It is not a catastrophic failure. It is just a typical, everyday slip-up. Think of it as the 'classic' mistake of your daily life.
How To Use It
You will usually see the adjective comum after the noun: erro comum. It functions just like the English version. You can use it to talk about grammar, cooking, or even relationship advice. It is a very versatile tool for your vocabulary. It helps you sound empathetic when someone else messes up.
When To Use It
Use it when you see someone making a predictable mistake. If a friend forgets to salt the pasta water, that is an erro comum. If a colleague forgets to attach a file to an email, it fits perfectly. It is great for teaching moments or giving feedback. It softens the blow because it implies everyone does it.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for massive, unique disasters. If someone accidentally burns down a kitchen, calling it an erro comum sounds sarcastic. Avoid it in highly emotional or tragic situations. It is too lighthearted for serious professional negligence. Also, do not use it for intentional bad behavior.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally quite forgiving of small social or linguistic slips. Using this phrase shows you understand the learning process. It reflects a culture that values effort over perfection. In Brazil and Portugal, acknowledging an erro comum is a way to build rapport. It says, 'I have been there too, don't worry about it.'
Common Variations
You might hear um erro clássico for something very predictable. People also say falha comum for a technical glitch. In slang, someone might just say vacilo for a small mistake. But erro comum remains the most reliable, all-purpose version. It works in every Portuguese-speaking country without any confusion.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into any register from formal reports to casual texts. The key 'gotcha' for English speakers is the verb choice; always pair it with `cometer` rather than `fazer`.
Word Order Matters
While 'comum erro' is understandable, 'erro comum' sounds much more like a native speaker. Put the noun first!
Don't say 'Fazer um erro'
In English, you 'make' a mistake. In Portuguese, you 'comet' one (`cometer um erro`). Using 'fazer' is actually an 'erro comum' for English speakers!
The 'Vacilo' Alternative
In Brazil, if you are with close friends, you can call a common mistake a 'vacilo'. It's more colorful and very common in street speech.
Ejemplos
6Esquecer o gênero das palavras é um erro comum.
Forgetting the gender of words is a common mistake.
A very frequent context for this phrase.
Não salvar o arquivo é um erro comum entre iniciantes.
Not saving the file is a common mistake among beginners.
Used here to explain a technical oversight.
Chegar cedo demais foi um erro comum, eu estava ansioso!
Arriving too early was a common mistake, I was anxious!
Self-deprecating humor in a text.
Colocar muito sal é um erro comum nesta receita.
Putting too much salt is a common mistake in this recipe.
Instructional use to prevent future errors.
Tropeçar naquele degrau é um erro comum, não se preocupe!
Tripping on that step is a common mistake, don't worry!
Using the phrase to make someone feel less embarrassed.
Não ouvir o parceiro é um erro comum que muitos cometem.
Not listening to your partner is a common mistake many make.
Used for serious life reflections.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the most natural word order.
Confundir as chaves é um ___.
In Portuguese, the adjective 'comum' usually follows the noun 'erro' for a natural flow.
Which verb usually accompanies this phrase when talking about making the mistake?
Muitas pessoas ___ esse erro comum.
The verb 'cometer' (to commit) is the standard collocation for 'erro' in Portuguese.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Erro Comum'
Used with friends to laugh at a slip-up.
Foi um vacilo comum.
Standard way to describe a frequent error.
É um erro comum.
Used in academic or professional reports.
Trata-se de um erro comum na amostragem.
Where to use 'Erro Comum'
Language Class
Grammar slips
The Kitchen
Burning the toast
Office Life
Email typos
Socializing
Forgetting a name
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means a 'common mistake' or a frequent error that many people make in a specific situation. For example, Esquecer o guarda-chuva é um erro comum (Forgetting the umbrella is a common mistake).
The most natural way is erro comum. Placing the adjective after the noun is the standard rule in Portuguese for this expression.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral and professional. You can say Este é um erro comum no processo to point out a flaw without blaming anyone specifically.
Usually not! Because you are calling it 'common', it actually sounds less critical. It implies that anyone could have made that mistake.
The plural is erros comuns. Note that both the noun and the adjective change to plural form.
Absolutely. You can say prática comum (common practice) or nome comum (common name). It works just like the English adjective.
In Brazil, people often use the word vacilo for a mistake. You might hear foi um vacilo for 'it was a slip-up'.
You should say Eu cometi um erro comum. Remember to use the verb cometer instead of fazer.
No, the phrase erro comum is used and understood exactly the same way in both countries.
In this context, yes, but it's a minor 'bad'. It's more about being human and learning than about doing something truly wrong.
Frases relacionadas
Erro clássico
Classic mistake
Cometer um deslize
To make a slip-up
Falha humana
Human error
Engano
Misunderstanding or small error
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