False friends (aka false cognates) - Spanish and English words that may look similar, but have different meanings... therefore they are considered misleading.
Cognates - words that are related in form (spelling) and meaning because they derive from the same Latin or Greek root
My favorite false friend is if someone says: "Estoy embarazada"...
when they think they are saying "I am embarrassed," but they are actually saying "I am pregnant."
Let's take a look at some false friends and see what they really mean in English. I will list the Spanish in bold.
actualmente ≠ actually
actualmente = nowadays, currently
actually = de hecho, en realidad, en efecto
argumento ≠ argument
argumento = plot
argument = discusión, pelea
atender ≠ to attend
atender = to look after, to attend to
to attend = asistir
avisar ≠ to advise
avisar = to warn
to advise = aconsejar
bravo ≠ brave
bravo = wild; fierce
brave = valiente
casual ≠ casual
casual = accidental, chance
casual = informal, despreocupado/a
casualidad ≠ casualty
casualidad = chance, coincidence
casualty = víctima
colegio ≠ college
colegio = school
college = universidad
comprensivo/a ≠ comprehensive
comprensivo/a = understanding
comprehensive = completo, extensivo
constipado ≠ constipated
estar constipado/a = to have a cold
to be constipated = estar estreñido/a
crudo/a ≠ crude
crudo/a = raw, undercooked
crude = burdo/a, grosero/a
educado/a ≠ educated
educado/a = well-mannered
educated = culto/a, instruido/a
embarazada ≠ embarrassed
estar embarazada = to be pregnant
to be embarrassed = estar avergonzado/a; dar/tener vergüenza
eventualmente ≠ eventually
eventualmente = possibly
eventually = finalmente, al final
éxito ≠ exit
éxito = success
exit = salida
fútbol ≠ football
fútbol = soccer
football = fútbol americano
lectura ≠ lecture
lectura = reading
lecture = conferencia
librería ≠ library
librería = bookstore
library = biblioteca
máscara ≠ mascara
máscara = mask
mascara = rímel
molestar ≠ to molest
molestar = to bother, to annoy
to molest = abusar
oficio ≠ office
oficio = trade, occupation
office = oficina
rato ≠ rat
rato = while, time
rat = rata
realizar ≠ to realize
realizar = to carry out; to fulfill
to realize = darse cuenta de
red ≠ red
red = net, network
red = rojo/a
revolver ≠ revolver
revolver = to stir, to rummage through
revolver = revólver
sensible ≠ sensible
sensible = sensitive
sensible = sensato/a, razonable
suceso ≠ success
suceso = event
success = éxito
sujeto ≠ subject (topic)
sujeto = fellow; individual
subject = tema, asunto
I am thankful for all the cognates between Spanish and English. So it's a good idea to take notice of those tricky false friends. Remember, building your vocabulary comes with practice... whether you are listening to Spanish, reading, writing, or speaking. Keep yourself immersed in meaningful communication. Learning another language is worth the reward!
Ejemplo:
Me di cuenta de eso después del hecho. (I realized that after the fact.)
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