False Friends in Spanish: Words That Don’t Mean What You Think
Learning Spanish can be an exciting journey, but it comes with challenges—one of the biggest being false friends. These are words that look similar to English words but have entirely different meanings, often leading to confusion and misunderstandings. For example, you might think embarazada means "embarrassed" when it actually means "pregnant"—a mistake that could lead to awkward situations!
Many English speakers fall into the trap of assuming that familiar-looking Spanish words have the same meaning as their English counterparts. This can cause errors in conversation, writing, and even professional communication. In this article, we’ll explore common false friends in Spanish, provide real-life examples, and share tips to help you avoid these tricky vocabulary pitfalls.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we specialize in helping learners navigate these nuances with expert-led Spanish classes designed to improve fluency and accuracy.
What Are False Friends in Spanish?
False friends, also known as false cognates, are words that look similar in two languages but have different meanings. While some words in English and Spanish share common Latin roots and meanings (true cognates), others have evolved differently, leading to surprising differences.
For example:
"Embarazada" does not mean "embarrassed"—it means "pregnant."
"Actual" does not mean "actual" in English—it means "current."
"Sensible" does not mean "sensible"—it means "sensitive."
Understanding these differences is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings and speaking Spanish confidently.
Common False Friends Between English and Spanish
Here are some of the most commonly confused false friends in Spanish:
Spanish WordFalse English MeaningActual Spanish MeaningEmbarazadaEmbarrassedPregnantActualActual (factual)CurrentRopaRopeClothesSopaSoapSoupLibreríaLibraryBookstoreColegioCollegeHigh SchoolConstipadoConstipatedHaving a ColdFábricaFabricFactoryAsistirAssistAttendSensibleSensibleSensitive
How to Avoid Confusing False Cognates
Now that you know some of the most common false friends, how can you avoid falling into the trap of using them incorrectly? Here are some practical strategies:
Look Up Words Before Using Them – Even if a word looks familiar, check its meaning in a Spanish-English dictionary before assuming it means the same thing.
Learn Words in Context – Reading Spanish books, watching movies, or listening to native speakers can help reinforce the correct meanings.
Use Mnemonics and Associations – Create mental connections to help differentiate words. For example, "librería" sells "libros" (books), so it's a bookstore, not a library.
Practice with a Native Speaker – Engaging in conversation with native Spanish speakers can help reinforce correct usage and prevent mistakes.
Examples of False Friends in Context
Let’s look at how these words can cause confusion in real conversations:
Incorrect: Estoy embarazada porque hice un error en mi presentación.
(Translation: I am pregnant because I made a mistake in my presentation.)
Correct: Estoy avergonzado/a porque hice un error en mi presentación.
(Translation: I am embarrassed because I made a mistake in my presentation.)
Incorrect: Este es un artículo actual sobre tecnología.
(Translation: This is an actual article about technology.)
Correct: Este es un artículo real sobre tecnología.
(Translation: This is a real article about technology.)
Incorrect: Voy a asistir a mi madre con la cena.
(Translation: I am going to attend my mother with dinner.)
Correct: Voy a ayudar a mi madre con la cena.
(Translation: I am going to help my mother with dinner.)
Practical Tips for Remembering the Differences
To solidify your understanding of false friends, try these techniques:
Flashcards – Create a set of flashcards with common false friends and their correct meanings.
Practice Conversations – Use the words in sentences and practice with a tutor or language partner.
Keep a Vocabulary Journal – Write down new words and include example sentences.
Engage with Authentic Content – Reading Spanish news articles, books, or watching Spanish-language videos will expose you to words in the right context.
How Our Spanish Classes Can Help You Master Vocabulary
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we understand that learning a new language involves more than just memorizing words. Our Spanish courses are designed to help students:
Avoid common vocabulary pitfalls like false friends.
Develop confidence in speaking and writing through immersive exercises.
Improve comprehension skills by learning words in context.
Engage with native-speaking instructors who provide real-time feedback and correction.
Our expert-led classes focus on practical usage, so you can confidently navigate real-world conversations without falling into common language traps.
Conclusion & Call to Action
False friends in Spanish can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively. By recognizing these deceptive words, practicing them in context, and getting expert guidance, you’ll gain confidence in your Spanish-speaking abilities.
Ready to master Spanish vocabulary and avoid false friends?
Join our Spanish classes at Polyglottist Language Academy today!
Have you ever made a funny mistake because of a Spanish false friend? Share your experience in the comments!