guòcuò: 过错 - Fault, Error, Transgression

• Keywords: guocuo, 过错, Chinese for fault, Chinese for error, blame in Chinese, admit a mistake in Chinese, guo cuo meaning, wrongdoing in Chinese, transgression, culpability, 错误 vs 过错
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 过错 (guòcuò), a crucial Chinese term for “fault” or “error” that goes beyond a simple mistake. This page explains how guòcuò implies moral blame and responsibility, making it essential for understanding apologies, conflicts, and legal contexts in China. Learn the difference between 过错 (guòcuò) and 错误 (cuòwù) and how to use it correctly in conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guòcuò
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A fault, wrongdoing, or transgression for which one is culpable.
• In a Nutshell: 过错 (guòcuò) isn't your everyday “oops” or “my bad.” It's a serious word that describes a mistake with negative consequences that you are responsible for. Think of it as a “fault” or “transgression” that has crossed a line, whether legally, socially, or interpersonally. Using or hearing this word signals that the situation is significant and involves blame.

• 过 (guò): The core meaning of this character is “to pass,” “to cross,” or “to go beyond.” In the context of 过错, it takes on the meaning of “to exceed a limit” or “to transgress.” It implies that an action went too far and broke a rule or norm.
• 错 (cuò): This character simply means “wrong,” “mistake,” or “error.” It's the foundation of the word's meaning.
• The two characters combine powerfully: 过 (guò) adds a sense of transgression to 错 (cuò)'s “mistake.” It's not just a mistake; it's a mistake that has “crossed a line,” resulting in a blameworthy fault.

In Chinese culture, which often prioritizes social harmony (和谐, héxié) and the preservation of “face” (面子, miànzi), a 过错 (guòcuò) is a significant disruption. It's an act that creates imbalance in a relationship or a community. Admitting to a 过错 is therefore a very serious and meaningful act. It's not just about accepting legal liability; it's a moral admission intended to repair the broken harmony and show sincere remorse. A great way to understand 过错 (guòcuò) is to compare it to the English distinction between “a mistake” and “a fault.”

• A “mistake” (like a `错误, cuòwù`) can be objective and impersonal. “There's a mistake in this calculation.”
• “A fault” (like a `过错, guòcuò`) is personal and implies blame. “The accident was his fault.”

While in the West, admitting fault can sometimes be seen as a sign of weakness or a prelude to legal action, in a Chinese context, a sincere admission of 过错 is often a prerequisite for forgiveness and rebuilding trust. It shows that you understand the gravity of your actions and respect the person you have wronged. Refusing to admit a clear 过错 can be seen as arrogant and can cause irreparable damage to a relationship.

The term 过错 (guòcuò) is more formal and carries significant weight. You won't hear it used for trivial, everyday slip-ups.

• Formal & Legal Situations: This is the primary domain for 过错. It's used in court rulings, official company apologies, and formal reprimands to assign blame.
  • E.g., “The fault for this incident lies with the management team.” (本次事件的过错在于管理团队。)
• Serious Interpersonal Conflicts: In relationships (family, romantic partners, close friends), admitting “这是我的过错” (This is my fault) is a powerful, sincere apology. It's used when someone has been genuinely hurt.
• Moral and Ethical Discussions: People use 过错 when discussing moral wrongdoing or ethical lapses, distinguishing them from simple errors in judgment.

Connotation: Almost exclusively negative and serious. Formality: Ranges from formal to very formal. It is rarely used in casual, informal chat.

• Example 1:
  • 这完全是我的过错，我愿意承担所有责任。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wánquán shì wǒ de guòcuò, wǒ yuànyì chéngdān suǒyǒu zérèn.
  • English: This is entirely my fault, and I am willing to bear all responsibility.
  • Analysis: A classic and very formal apology. This is what you would say in a serious situation, perhaps in a business context or after a major personal failing.
• Example 2:
  • 在这段失败的婚姻里，他们双方都有过错。
  • Pinyin: Zài zhè duàn shībài de hūnyīn lǐ, tāmen shuāngfāng dōu yǒu guòcuò.
  • English: In this failed marriage, both parties had faults.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows how 过错 can be used to distribute blame. It implies that both people made significant, relationship-damaging errors.
• Example 3:
  • 他已经认识到自己的过错，请你原谅他吧。
  • Pinyin: Tā yǐjīng rènshí dào zìjǐ de guòcuò, qǐng nǐ yuánliàng tā ba.
  • English: He has already recognized his fault, please forgive him.
  • Analysis: This highlights the connection between recognizing a 过错 and seeking forgiveness (原谅, yuánliàng).
• Example 4:
  • 法官认为，事故的主要过错在于超速驾驶的司机。
  • Pinyin: Fǎguān rènwéi, shìgù de zhǔyào guòcuò zàiyú chāosù jiàshǐ de sījī.
  • English: The judge determined that the main fault for the accident lay with the speeding driver.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of 过错 used in a legal context to assign official blame.
• Example 5:
  • 孩子犯了过错，家长应该耐心教育，而不是一味地指责。
  • Pinyin: Háizi fànle guòcuò, jiāzhǎng yīnggāi nàixīn jiàoyù, ér bùshì yīwèi de zhǐzé.
  • English: When a child makes a mistake (fault), parents should educate them patiently instead of just blaming them.
  • Analysis: Here, 过错 is used for a child's mistake, but it still implies a behavior that was genuinely “wrong” (like lying or hitting) rather than a simple error (like spilling milk).
• Example 6:
  • 人非圣贤，孰能无过？ (Note: a common chengyu using just one character)
  • Pinyin: Rén fēi shèngxián, shú néng wú guò?
  • English: Humans are not sages, who can be without fault? (Essentially: “To err is human.”)
  • Analysis: This famous idiom uses 过 as a shorthand for 过错. It's a philosophical statement about the inevitability of human error and fault.
• Example 7:
  • 公司为产品设计上的过错向消费者公开道歉。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī wèi chǎnpǐn shèjì shàng de guòcuò xiàng xiāofèizhě gōngkāi dàoqiàn.
  • English: The company publicly apologized to consumers for the fault in the product's design.
  • Analysis: This shows 过错 in a corporate PR context. The fault isn't just a bug (`错误`); it's a design flaw that harmed or deceived consumers, making the company culpable.
• Example 8:
  • 他试图掩盖自己的过错，结果让事情变得更糟。
  • Pinyin: Tā shìtú yǎngài zìjǐ de guòcuò, jiéguǒ ràng shìqíng biàndé gèng zāo.
  • English: He tried to cover up his fault, and as a result, made things worse.
  • Analysis: This highlights the moral dimension. Covering up a 过错 is often seen as a second, more serious fault.
• Example 9:
  • 我不认为这是一个过错，这只是一个无意的失误。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù rènwéi zhè shì yīgè guòcuò, zhè zhǐshì yīgè wúyì de shīwù.
  • English: I don't think this was a fault, it was just an unintentional slip-up.
  • Analysis: This sentence is great for learning because it directly contrasts 过错 with a less severe term, 失误 (shīwù), which means “lapse” or “blunder.”
• Example 10:
  • 改正过错是迈向成熟的第一步。
  • Pinyin: Gǎizhèng guòcuò shì màixiàng chéngshú de dì yī bù.
  • English: Correcting one's faults is the first step toward maturity.
  • Analysis: A more abstract, advice-oriented sentence emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.

The most common mistake for learners is confusing 过错 (guòcuò) with 错误 (cuòwù). They both translate to “mistake” or “error,” but their connotations are very different.

• `过错 (guòcuò)`: Implies blame, culpability, and negative consequences for others. It's a moral or social transgression. Use it for serious matters where someone is “at fault.”
• `错误 (cuòwù)`: A general, often neutral term for “mistake,” “error,” or “incorrect.” It can be a factual error, a wrong answer, or a miscalculation. It doesn't necessarily carry any blame.

Incorrect Usage Example:

哎呀，我在作业里写错了一个字，这是我的过错。
(Āiyā, wǒ zài zuòyè lǐ xiě cuòle yīgè zì, zhè shì wǒ de guòcuò.)
(Oops, I wrote a character wrong in my homework, this is my fault.)

Why it's wrong: This is far too dramatic and formal. Writing a wrong character is a simple, objective mistake. It's a `错误 (cuòwù)`, not a moral `过错 (guòcuò)`. Correct version: “哎呀，我写了一个错误的字。” (Oops, I wrote a wrong character.) or more simply “我写错了一个字。” Rule of Thumb: If “fault” or “transgression” fits in English, you can probably use 过错. If “error” or “mistake” fits better, use 错误.

• 错误 (cuòwù) - The general, neutral word for “mistake” or “error.” The most important term to distinguish from 过错.
• 责任 (zérèn) - “Responsibility” or “duty.” Committing a 过错 usually means you must bear the 责任.
• 失误 (shīwù) - A “lapse,” “slip-up,” or “blunder.” It suggests an unintentional mistake in execution, often less severe than a 过错.
• 道歉 (dàoqiàn) - “To apologize.” The action one performs after realizing their 过错.
• 原谅 (yuánliàng) - “To forgive.” What one hopes to receive after apologizing for a 过错.
• 犯错 (fàncuò) - A common verb phrase meaning “to make a mistake.” It's a general term and can refer to making either a 错误 or a 过错.
• 罪过 (zuìguo) - “Sin” or a very grave “transgression.” It's much stronger than 过错 and carries heavy moral or even religious condemnation.
• 承担 (chéngdān) - “To bear,” “to assume.” Often used with responsibility, e.g., `承担过错` (chéngdān guòcuò) - to bear the fault.
• 缺点 (quēdiǎn) - A “shortcoming” or “flaw” in a person's character or an object. It describes a general quality, whereas 过错 refers to a specific wrongful act.
• 改正 (gǎizhèng) - “To correct,” “to rectify.” The action of fixing one's mistake or fault, e.g., `改正过错` (gǎizhèng guòcuò).