French Phrase
Parle‑moi d'une erreur.
Meaning
Literally, “Speak to me about a mistake.” It is a polite yet direct request for someone to describe an error they made or observed.
When to use
Use this phrase in a classroom, workplace, or informal conversation when you want the other person to share a specific mistake—perhaps to learn from it or discuss how to avoid it in the future.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Parle‑moid'uneerreur
Imperative + object pronoun
In the affirmative imperative, object pronouns are attached to the verb with a hyphen and change order: "Parle‑moi" (Speak to me).
Contraction de + une
When "de" is followed by the feminine article "une", it contracts to "d'" (e.g., "d'une").
Gender of "erreur"
"Erreur" is a feminine noun, so the article is "une" and adjectives agree accordingly.
Verb + de + noun
"Parler de" means “to talk about”. The preposition "de" introduces the topic of the conversation.
🗨In Conversation
Parle‑moi d'une erreur que tu as commise hier.
Tell me about a mistake you made yesterday.
J'ai oublié d'envoyer le rapport à temps, ce qui a retardé le projet.
I forgot to send the report on time, which delayed the project.
✕Common Mistakes
Parle moi d'une erreur.
Missing hyphen and pronoun placement; in the affirmative imperative the pronoun must be attached with a hyphen.
Parle‑moi de une erreur.
The preposition "de" contracts with the vowel‑starting article "une" to become "d'".
Parle à moi d'une erreur.
The correct construction is "Parle‑moi"; "à" is not used with the verb "parler" in this context.
↔Alternatives
Raconte‑moi une erreur.
Tell me a mistake.
Dis‑moi une faute.
Tell me a fault.
Parle‑moi d’une faute.
Talk to me about a fault.
Cultural Tip
In French, "erreur" is slightly more formal than "faute," which is often used for grammatical or minor mistakes. In professional settings, "Parle‑moi d'une erreur" sounds courteous and encourages constructive discussion. Avoid using it in a confrontational tone; prefacing with "s'il te plaît" or "pourrais‑tu" softens the request.