False friends when learning Spanish
When learning Spanish, one of the challenges learners often face is dealing with false friends or false cognates. These are words that look or sound similar in both English and Spanish but have different meanings. This can lead to misunderstandings and sometimes humorous situations. Here are some common false friends between English and Spanish:
Common False Friends
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Embarazada: In Spanish, this means “pregnant,” not “embarrassed” as it might seem. The correct word for “embarrassed” is avergonzado 1, 2.
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Molestar: This means “to bother” in Spanish, not “to molest.” The latter has a much more serious connotation in English 1, 2.
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Librería: This refers to a “bookstore,” not a “library,” which is biblioteca in Spanish 1, 2.
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Éxito: This means “success,” not “exit.” The correct word for “exit” is salida 1, 2.
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Sensible: In Spanish, this means “sensitive,” while the English word “sensible” translates to sensato 1, 3.
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Carpeta: This means “folder,” not “carpet.” The word for “carpet” in Spanish is alfombra 2, 4.
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Ropa: This means “clothes,” not “rope.” The word for “rope” is cuerda 3, 5.
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Constipado: In Spanish, this refers to having a cold, not being constipated. The latter would be expressed as estreñido 2.
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Bizarro: While it might suggest “bizarre,” in Spanish it actually means “brave” or “gallant” 3, 5.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
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Double-check meanings: When you encounter a word that seems like an English counterpart, verify its meaning with a reliable dictionary to ensure it’s not a false friend 5.
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Learn in context: Understanding how words are used in sentences can help solidify their meanings and prevent confusion 5.
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Engage with native speakers: Practicing with native speakers can provide real-time feedback and help clarify any misunderstandings 5.
By being aware of these false friends and employing strategies to learn them effectively, language learners can avoid common pitfalls and improve their proficiency in Spanish.