What are some funny stories of people using false friends in Spanish
False friends, or false cognates, are words in different languages that look or sound similar but have different meanings. These can lead to humorous misunderstandings, especially for English speakers learning Spanish. Here are some funny stories and examples of false friends in Spanish:
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Estoy embarazada: One of the classic false friend mishaps involves the Spanish phrase “estoy embarazada,” which means “I’m pregnant,” not “I’m embarrassed” as many English speakers might mistakenly believe. This can lead to awkward situations, especially if a man uses it to express embarrassment 1, 2.
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Estoy caliente: Another amusing example is when someone tries to say they are feeling hot due to the weather by using “estoy caliente.” In Spanish, this phrase has a sexual connotation, meaning “I’m aroused,” not just physically warm. This can lead to some surprised reactions from native speakers 2.
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Librería vs. Library: Many English speakers might think “librería” means “library,” but it actually means “bookstore.” Asking for a library when you need a bookstore can lead to some confusion and possibly a longer search for books 1, 7.
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Molestar vs. Molest: The Spanish verb “molestar” means “to bother” or “to annoy,” not “to molest” in the English sense of sexual assault. Telling someone that something or someone is “molestando” you could lead to unnecessary alarm if misunderstood 1, 7.
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Constipado vs. Constipated: In Spanish, “constipado” means having a cold, not being constipated. This can lead to humorous situations when someone tries to explain they’re feeling under the weather but inadvertently suggests digestive issues instead 6, 7.
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Jamón vs. Jabón: A classic mix-up involves asking for “jamón” (ham) when you mean “jabón” (soap). This could result in a puzzled look from hotel staff when you request ham for your bathroom instead of soap 5.
These examples highlight how false friends can create misunderstandings that are often humorous and sometimes embarrassing, underscoring the importance of learning vocabulary carefully in a new language.