Lost in Translation: 10 Most Common False Friends in English and Spanish.

Are you an English language learner who loves discovering new words? Well, today we explore the fascinating world of false friends between English and Spanish!

These sneaky words may look the same, but trust me, they have completely different meanings.

First up, we have "embarazada." Now, if you're an English speaker and someone tells you they are "embarazada," don't start giggling! In Spanish, this word actually means "pregnant" and not "embarrassed." So remember, it's all about expecting a baby, not feeling awkward!

Next on our list is the word "carpeta." In English, when we hear "carpeta," we might picture a soft, cozy carpet under our feet. But hold on! In Spanish, "carpeta" means something completely different - it's actually a folder! So don't go looking for a carpet when someone asks you for a carpeta in a Spanish-speaking country.

Now here's a real mind-boggler: "actual." In English, when we say something is "actual," we mean it's happening right now. But guess what? In Spanish, "actual" means "current" or "present," not "actual" like in English. So, if you want to say something is happening at this very moment in Spanish, use the word "realmente."

Let's talk about being sensitive. In English, if someone calls you sensitive, it means you're easily affected by things around you. But in Spanish, "sensible" means something quite different - it means "sensitive".

Now, here's a false friend that can lead to some serious misunderstandings: "molestar." In English, "molest" has a very negative connotation, but in Spanish, "molestar" simply means "to bother" or "to annoy." So, next time a Spanish speaker says "no me molestes," they're not accusing you of anything criminal; they just want some personal space!

Let's move on to the word "realizar." In English, when we say we're going to realize something, it means we're going to become aware of it ("darse cuenta"). But in Spanish, "realizar" means "to accomplish" or "to fulfill." So if you want to express awareness in Spanish, use the word "darse cuenta."

Now, here's a tricky one: "constipado." In English, when we hear this word, we immediately think of digestive issues. But surprise! In Spanish, "constipado" means something completely different - it means having a cold or flu. So if someone tells you they are ¨constipado¨, don't worry, it's just a common cold!

Let's talk about protection. In English, when we say "preservative," we usually refer to something that keeps our food fresh. But in Spanish, "preservativo" is not about food at all - it means "condom." So be careful how you use this word in different contexts; you don't want to confuse your dinner guests!

Now, let's explore the word "éxito." In English, it might seem like this word is telling us to make an exit. But hold on! In Spanish, "éxito" means "success," not an exit sign. So next time someone wishes you éxito, embrace it as a wish for prosperity and triumph!

Last but not least, we have the word "fábrica." In English, "fabric" refers to the material used to make clothes or other items. But in Spanish, "fábrica" means "factory." So, if you're looking for fabric in a Spanish-speaking country, don't ask for a fábrica unless you want to end up with a whole factory!

If you would like to look at more false friends, watch this short video:

To summarise, these are the false friends we looked at in this article:

1. Embarazada: In Spanish, it means "pregnant," not "embarrassed" like in English.

2. Carpeta: In Spanish, it means "folder," not "carpet" like in English.

3. Actual: In Spanish, it means "current," not "actual" like in English.

4. Sensible: In Spanish, it means "sensitive," not "sensible" like in English.

5. Molestar: In Spanish, it means "to bother," not "to molest" like in English.

6. Realizar: In Spanish, it means "to accomplish," not "to realize" like in English.

7. Constipado: In Spanish, it means "having a cold," not "constipated" like in English.

8. Preservativo: In Spanish, it means "condom," not "preservative" like in English.

9. Éxito: In Spanish, it means "success," not "exit" like in English.

10. Fábrica: In Spanish, it means "factory," not "fabric" like in English.

So, dear English language learners, as you learn more English, keep an open mind, embrace the differences, and always double-check the meanings of words before using them! Language learning is an adventure full of surprises, so enjoy the ride and share these funny false friends with your fellow language learners.

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Categories: : Grammar and Vocabulary, Improve Your English, Listening & Speaking