Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Ele está errado.

We use estar with adjectives to express a temporary state or condition, including being mistaken. ser describes inherent or permanent qualities. Here, errado indicates “he is wrong” at this moment, so estar is the correct choice.

Does Ele está errado imply a permanent trait or a temporary mistake?

It implies a temporary mistake. Saying Ele está errado means “he is wrong” or “he is mistaken” right now. It doesn’t mean he’s always wrong as a person.

How would I say “She is wrong” in Portuguese?

You would say Ela está errada. Note that the adjective errada agrees in gender (feminine) with ela, and the verb estar remains está.

Can I omit the subject and just say Está errado?

Yes. Portuguese often drops the subject pronoun when context makes it clear. Está errado alone can mean “he is wrong,” “she is wrong,” or even “it is wrong,” depending on the situation.

What’s the difference between errado and equivocado?