error,mishap and mistake..

[flatron]

Hi, can anybody tell me the difference between these three similar words?
1-error
2-mishap
3-mistake
Thanks a lot!

 

[TheParser]

Hi, can anybody tell me the difference between these three similar words?
1-error
2-mishap
3-mistake
Thanks a lot!

***NOT A TEACHER***Even native speakers do not agree about these words. Many Americans use "error" and "mistake" interchangeably. Some people think there is a difference: (1) mistake = I know that I did something wrong. If I say 2 + 2 = 5, that is a mistake because I know that 2 + 2 = 4. (2) error = I do not know that I did something wrong. I speak only a little Spanish. If I try to speak Spanish, I will make many errors because I do not know the rules of Spanish grammar.

 

[flatron]

ok.thanks...fair enough.....and MISHAP?

 

[mara_ce]

If I try to speak Spanish, I will make many errors because I do not know the rules of Spanish grammar.

I can help you.

 

[TheParser]

I can help you.

Thanks for your thoughtful note. (1) One expert defines a "mishap" as a "minor accident." (2) Whenever I have a question about Spanish, I shall post it in the foreign language section of this website and wait for your answer. Thanks again.