SOME FALSE FRIENDS

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.

1. abstract = abstracto, but also resumen.
2. to achieve = lograr o alcanzar, not archivar.
3. to assist = ayudar, not acudir =  to attend.
4. accommodation = alojamiento, not acomodamiento = arrangement
5. actual = real, not actual
6. advice = consejo, not aviso
7. actually = en realidad, not actualmente.
8. advertise = anunciar, not advertir = to warn.
9. apt = propenso o apropiado, not apto = qualified or able.
10. argument = discusión, not argumento =  plot.
11. carpet = alfombra, not carpeta = file, folder
12. casual  = fortuito, informal, ocasional…, not casual
13. constipated = estreñido, not constipado = (have) a cold
14. to compromise = ceder, aceptar o poner en peligro, not comprometer(se) = to (get) involve,  to get engaged,
15. dessert =  postre. For desierto = desert
16. diversion = desvío, not diversión = fun, amusement
17. embarrased = avergonzado, not embarazada = pregnant
18. exit = salida, not éxito = success, not suceso 
19. grocery =  tienda que vende comestibles, not  grosería = rudeness
20. hardly = apenas, difícilmente. not duramente
21. by heart = de memoria, not de corazón
22. large = grande, not largo = long
23. lecture = conferencia, not lectura =  reading
24. library = biblioteca, not librería = book-shop/store
25. miserable = triste, destrozado, abatido, deprimido, horrible, terrible, not miserable = mean
26. parent(s) = padres (padre+madre), not pariente, familiares = relatives
27. petrol = gasolina, not petróleo = oil
28. to presume =  suponer, not presumir = to show off. 
29. to pretend = simular, fingir, not pretender = hope, expect
30. prize = premio, not precio = price
31. quiet = silencioso, tranquilo, not quieto = still
32. quote = cita textual or presupuesto, not cuota =  fee.
33. to rape = violar, not rapar =  to shave.
34. regular = medio, de tamaño normal, not regular, ‘no muy bien’ = bad, not so good
35. rope =  cuerda, soga, not ropa = clothes
36. rude =maleducado, descortés.not rudo, bruto, basto = rough. 
37. salad = ensalada, not salado = salty.
38. sale = venta, not salir = to exit, to go out
39. sensible = sensato, not sensible = sensitive
40. succeed = tener éxito, not suceder = happen
41. ultimately = a la larga, not últimamente = lately, recently.

Link to other false friends.