过错 guòcuò mistake
mistake; fault; responsibility (for a fault)
How to remember 过错: 过 to cross + 错 mistake = mistake.
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How it is used
- Fault / responsibility for a wrong - 这不是你的过错 (zhè bú shì nǐ de guòcuò) this isn't your fault.
- Assigns blame for a mistake, often in disputes, relationships, or legal apportioning (过错方 the party at fault).
- 过错 stresses being at fault/responsible; 错误 (cuòwù) is the mistake itself without blame; 过失 (guòshī) is the more legal "negligence."