English and Spanish audio system studying one another’s languages should take care of the problem of false pals, phrases that sound the identical as ones of their native tongue however which have a very completely different which means within the different language.
Though most individuals would say that Spanish and English sound nothing alike, there’s an enormous variety of Latin-based phrases within the English language, which in flip signifies that (at the least on paper) they typically resemble phrases in Spanish.
That is each a assist and a hindrance, as language learners can typically assume that simply because the phrases sound comparable, they’ve the identical which means.
Usually that’s certainly the case, however not all the time.
The next are a few of the most frequent false pals Spanish natives studying English fall for, though in lots of circumstances the language lure may apply to English natives studying Spanish. Be careful for these!
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Mixing up embarazada in Spanish with embarrassed in English
That is maybe essentially the most well-known Spanish-English false buddy, in addition to being one of many funniest. English and Spanish learners typically mistake embarazo (being pregnant) or embarazada (pregnant) with embarrassment and embarrassing as a result of they sound so comparable. By the way, mixing up the phrases might find yourself being a bit embarrassing in itself.
Mixing up carpeta in Spanish with carpet in English
Anyone who has taught English to Spanish children will in all probability be conversant in this one. It is not the Spanish equal of ‘the canine ate my homework’, children simply assume that folder in English is carpet, like carpeta in Spanish. Equally, asking your Spanish inside designer buddy if a carpeta would look good below your lounge espresso desk may get you just a few bizarre seems to be.
Mixing up constipado in Spanish with constipated in English
Though the Spanish are pretty straight-talking folks, they do not normally communicate up about their blocked up bowels, except they fall for this false buddy. A constipado is a standard chilly in Spanish, so it is sensible they generally say constipated in English. Estoy constipado/a can be a method of claiming that you’re congested.
English natives ought to keep in mind estreñido/a is the Spanish adjective to explain having hassle going to the bathroom, in any other case they’re going to get the fallacious medicine from their Spanish physician.
Mixing up emocionado in Spanish with emotional in English
Though they put on their hearts on their sleeves, Spaniards not often tear up once they discover one thing thrilling. This false buddy arises from the double which means of emocionado in Spanish, which may be each excited and moved.
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Mixing up wise in Spanish with wise in English
There’s one other false buddy each English and Spanish audio system ought to be careful for right here as wise is one other method of referring to somebody/one thing that is delicate or emotional. Smart does not imply accountable in Spanish because it does in English, the phrase for that is sensato.
Mixing up lentillas in Spanish with lentils in English
Ensure that to not put lentejas (lentils) in your eyes somewhat than lentillas (contact lenses).
Mixing up molestar in Spanish with molest in English
Oh pricey, here is one to watch out with. Molestar is to trouble somebody in Spanish and to not sexually harass as molest is in English.
Mixing up casualidad in Spanish with casualty in English
Even should you’re a forensic scientist who finds cadavers notably attention-grabbing, it isn’t advisable to shout this out in public. Casualidad is coincidence in Spanish, though the phrase sounds much more like casualty in English.
Mixing up éxito in Spanish with exit in English
It is all the time helpful to have an escape route helpful, nevertheless it nonetheless sounds fairly bizarre to want somebody all of the exits they deserve. Éxito is the Spanish phrase for fulfillment, so English natives ought to do not forget that asking ¿dónde está el éxito? means ‘the place is the success?’ when they need to be saying la salida (exit).
Mixing up bombero in Spanish with bomber in English
The place there’s smoke there’s fireplace, however normally you name the firemen and never the air drive. A bombero is a firefighter in Spanish, a bomber is a bombardero.
Mixing up preservativos in Spanish and preservatives in English
There isn’t any denying you want chemistry in love, however we’re not too positive the place preservatives slot in the entire equation. Spanish audio system typically assume preservativo (condom) is translated into English as preservative. Equally, an English native may mistakenly enquire at their native vegan retailer in Spain if the meals they’ve simply purchased comprises contraceptives. The proper time period to make use of could be conservantes.
Mixing up compromiso in Spanish with compromise in English
It could appear pure to count on your Spanish girlfriend to fulfill you midway on sure points however don’t go asking her for a compromiso except you’re positive you’re able to take that subsequent step. Compromiso can imply a marital engagement or an obligation/dedication in Spanish. The phrases for compromise in Spanish are acuerdo mutuo.