Here's a quick reference list of common false friends, that is, English words which are similar to other Spanish ones, but actually don't mean what they seem to.
- abstract = abstracto, but also resumen.
- to achieve = lograr o alcanzar, not archivar.
- to assist = ayudar, not acudir = to attend.
- accommodation = alojamiento, not acomodamiento = arrangement
- actual = real, not actual
- advice = consejo, not aviso
- actually = en realidad, not actualmente.
- advertise = anunciar, not advertir = to warn.
- apt = propenso o apropiado, not apto = qualified or able.
- argument = discusión, not argumento = plot.
- carpet = alfombra, not carpeta = file, folder
- casual = fortuito, informal, ocasional…, not casual
- constipated = estreñido, not constipado = (have) a cold
- to compromise = ceder, aceptar o poner en peligro, not comprometer(se) = to (get) involve, to get engaged,
- dessert = postre. For desierto = desert
- diversion = desvío, not diversión = fun, amusement
- embarrased = avergonzado, not embarazada = pregnant
- exit = salida, not éxito = success, not suceso
- grocery = tienda que vende comestibles, not grosería = rudeness
- hardly = apenas, difícilmente. not duramente
- by heart = de memoria, not de corazón
- large = grande, not largo = long
- lecture = conferencia, not lectura = reading
- library = biblioteca, not librería = book-shop/store
- miserable = triste, destrozado, abatido, deprimido, horrible, terrible, not miserable = mean
- parent(s) = padres (padre+madre), not pariente, familiares = relatives
- petrol = gasolina, not petróleo = oil
- to presume = suponer, not presumir = to show off.
- to pretend = simular, fingir, not pretender = hope, expect
- prize = premio, not precio = price
- quiet = silencioso, tranquilo, not quieto = still
- quote = cita textual or presupuesto, not cuota = fee.
- to rape = violar, not rapar = to shave.
- regular = medio, de tamaño normal, not regular, ‘no muy bien’ = bad, not so good
- rope = cuerda, soga, not ropa = clothes
- rude =maleducado, descortés.not rudo, bruto, basto = rough.
- salad = ensalada, not salado = salty.
- sale = venta, not salir = to exit, to go out
- sensible = sensato, not sensible = sensitive
- succeed = tener éxito, not suceder = happen
- ultimately = a la larga, not últimamente = lately, recently.
Link to other false friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment