Spanish to English — False friends and cognates: Español and English
False friends and cognates: Español and English
Some words look or sound similar in Español and English but mean something different. These "false friends" can cause mix-ups. Below are a few to watch for. Learning them in context—and practising with Rozy—helps you use the right word.
Examples to watch for
"actual" in English means current. Avoid: "actual event". Prefer: "current event". "embarrassed" in English means pregnant (embarazada). Avoid: "I am embarrassed". Prefer: "I am pregnant / I am embarrassed". "sensible" in English means sensitive. Avoid: "He is very sensible". Prefer: "He is very sensitive". "exit" in English means success (éxito). Avoid: "I want exit". Prefer: "I want success". "constipation" in English means cold (constipado). Avoid: "I have constipation". Prefer: "I have a cold".
Examples
- actual event → current event — current
- I am embarrassed → I am pregnant / I am embarrassed — pregnant (embarazada)
- He is very sensible → He is very sensitive — sensitive
- I want exit → I want success — success (éxito)
- I have constipation → I have a cold — cold (constipado)
Frequently asked questions
- What are false friends?
- Words that look or sound similar in two languages but have different meanings. They often cause mistakes when translating.
- What false friends do Español speakers need to watch?
- Examples include: actual (current), embarrassed (pregnant (embarazada)), sensible (sensitive), exit (success (éxito)), constipation (cold (constipado)).
- How can I avoid false friend mistakes?
- Learn them in full sentences and practise speaking. Rozy gives feedback so you fix mix-ups in context.
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