Show common false friends between English and Spanish with examples
Conquer Spanish: Steer Clear of These Grammar Errors: Show common false friends between English and Spanish with examples
Here are some common false friends between English and Spanish with examples:
| Spanish Word | English Word | Actual Meaning in Spanish | False Meaning in English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embarazada | Embarrassed | Pregnant | Ashamed, embarrassed | ”Estoy embarazada” means “I am pregnant,” not “I am embarrassed.” |
| Molestar | Molest | To bother | To sexually abuse | ”No me molestes” means “Don’t bother me,” not “Don’t molest me.” |
| Constipado | Constipated | To have a cold | To be constipated | ”Estoy constipado” means “I have a cold,” not “I am constipated.” |
| Éxito | Exit | Success | Exit | ”Tuve mucho éxito” means “I had much success,” not “I had an exit.” |
| Librería | Library | Bookstore | Library | ”Voy a la librería” means “I’m going to the bookstore,” not the library. |
| Carpeta | Carpet | Folder | Carpet | ”Ponlo en la carpeta” means “Put it in the folder,” not the carpet. |
| Largo | Large | Long | Large | ”Un vestido largo” means “A long dress,” not a large dress. |
| Sano | Sane | Healthy | Sane | ”Estoy sano” means “I am healthy,” not “I am sane.” |
| Preocupado | Preoccupied | Worried | Distracted | ”Estoy preocupado” means “I am worried,” not “I am preoccupied.” |
| Enviar | Envy | To send | To envy | ”Voy a enviar un paquete” means “I am going to send a package,” not “envy a package.” |
These false friends look or sound similar but have very different meanings, so paying attention to context and correct usage is essential to avoid misunderstandings.