cuòwù

cuòwù is a Mandarin Chinese term that translates to "mistake," "error," or "fault" in English. It is a common and versatile word used in everyday conversation and written language to describe an action or judgment that is incorrect or goes against what is right or true. The term can encompass a wide range of situations, from minor slips of the tongue to significant blunders with serious consequences.

The usage of cuòwù can be quite broad. It can refer to a factual error in a statement, a miscalculation in mathematics, a wrong turn while navigating, or a moral or ethical transgression. The severity of the mistake can be inferred from the context in which the word is used. For example, a small cuòwù might be easily corrected, while a large cuòwù might require significant effort to rectify.

Understanding and acknowledging cuòwù is an important part of learning and development in Chinese culture. The phrase "知错能改" (zhī cuò néng gǎi), meaning "to recognize a mistake and be able to correct it," is a widely held belief emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the capacity for improvement. Conversely, stubbornly refusing to admit a cuòwù is often viewed negatively.