mắc lỗi
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To make a mistake / to commit an error: The primary meaning of "mắc lỗi" is to do something wrong, incorrect, or faulty, often unintentionally. It implies being at fault for an error.
- To be at fault / to be guilty of a mistake: It can also describe the state of having committed a fault or being responsible for an error.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Tôi rất tiếc vì đã mắc lỗi. (I am very sorry for making a mistake.)
- Cầu thủ đó mắc lỗi và bị thẻ vàng. (That player committed a foul and received a yellow card.)
- Máy tính này thường xuyên mắc lỗi hệ thống. (This computer frequently has system errors.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is neutral regarding intent; it can be used for both careless mistakes and deliberate rule-breaking, depending on context (e.g., a grammatical error vs. a foul in sports).
- It is commonly used in formal contexts like reports ("mắc lỗi kỹ thuật" - to have a technical error) and everyday apologies.
Variants and Related Words
- Phạm lỗi (verb phrase): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably, especially in formal or legal contexts (to commit an offense/error).
- Lỗi (noun): The noun form meaning "mistake," "error," or "fault."
- Mắc phải (verb): A broader phrase meaning "to incur" or "to fall into," often used with negative things like debt or illness.
Synonyms
- To err: To make a mistake.
- To blunder: To make a careless or serious mistake.
- To foul: To commit a violation of rules, especially in sports.
Related Idioms
- Mắc lỗi lầm: A slightly more emphatic form, often referring to a more serious mistake or transgression.
- Anh ấy đã mắc phải những lỗi lầm nghiêm trọng trong quá khứ. (He committed serious mistakes in the past.)