Glossary and lists
False friends between English and Spanish
24 words that trick Spanish speakers, and what to say instead.
Book a trial classThe list
| English word | Looks like | Really means | For the Spanish word, say |
|---|---|---|---|
| embarrassed | embarazada | avergonzado | pregnant |
| actually | actualmente | en realidad | currently |
| library | librería | biblioteca | bookstore |
| exit | éxito | salida | success |
| realize | realizar | darse cuenta | carry out |
| assist | asistir | ayudar | attend |
| carpet | carpeta | alfombra | folder |
| constipated | constipado | estreñido | to have a cold |
| eventually | eventualmente | finalmente | possibly |
| sympathetic | simpático | comprensivo | nice, friendly |
| sensible | sensible | sensato | sensitive |
| support | soportar | apoyar | put up with |
| attend | atender | asistir a | serve, look after |
| career | carrera (universitaria) | trayectoria profesional | degree |
| college | colegio | universidad | school |
| pretend | pretender | fingir | intend, aim |
| resume | resumir | reanudar | summarize |
| lecture | lectura | clase magistral | reading |
| fabric | fábrica | tela | factory |
| parents | parientes | padres | relatives |
| large | largo | grande | long |
| injury | injuria | lesión | insult |
| introduce | introducir | presentar a alguien | insert |
| argument | argumento | discusión | reasoning, plot |
A quick rule
When an English word looks exactly like a Spanish one, check it before you trust it. If it is a false friend, learn the pair together: the real meaning and the word you wanted.
Practice
Multiple choice cloze
Choose the word that fits the gap. Watch out for false friends.
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