50 Spanish false cognates you should know
– Complete vocabulary list –
False cognates are words that look similar in Spanish and English but have different meanings. Understanding these false friends is essential for English speakers learning Spanish to avoid misunderstandings. Here’s a list of 50 common false cognates, along with their meanings.
- Actual > (not “actual” in English) > current
- Actualidad > (not “actuality” in English) > current events
- Apreciar > (not “to appreciate” in English) > to value
- Asistir > (not “assist” in English) > to attend
- Assistir > (not “to assist” in English) > to attend
- Copa > (not “copper” in English) > cup
- Cirugía > (not “surgery” in English) > surgery (correct meaning)
- Cualidad > (not “quality” in English) > characteristic
- Comprender > (not “to comprehend” in English) > to understand
- Constipado > (not “constipated” in English) > having a cold
- Contestar > (not “to contest” in English) > to answer
- Decepción > (not “deception” in English) > disappointment
- Demandar > (not “to demand” in English) > to sue
- Embarazada > (not “embarrassed” in English) > pregnant
- Épico > (not “epic” in English) > epic (correct meaning)
- Época > (not “epic” in English) > period
- Éxito > (not “exit” in English) > success
- Fábrica > (not “fabric” in English) > factory
- Ficción > (not “fiction” in English) > fiction (correct meaning)
- Fácil > (not “facile” in English) > easy
- Feliz > (not “feline” in English) > happy
- Gratuidad > (not “gratuity” in English) > free of charge
- Gimnasio > (not “gymnasium” in English) > gym
- Introducir > (not “to introduce” in English) > to insert
- Laboratorio > (not “laboratory” in English) > laboratory (correct meaning)
- Largo > (not “large” in English) > long
- Librería > (not “library” in English) > bookstore
- Molestar > (not “to molest” in English) > to bother
- Oficina > (not “office” in English) > office (correct meaning)
- Pretender > (not “to pretend” in English) > to intend
- Raza > (not “race” in English) > breed
- Rato > (not “rat” in English) > while
- Realizar > (not “to realize” in English) > to carry out
- Ropa > (not “rope” in English) > clothes
- Sensible > (not “sensible” in English) > sensitive
- Sincero > (not “sincere” in English) > sincere (correct meaning)
- Sopa > (not “soap” in English) > soup
- Suceso > (not “success” in English) > event
- Suicidio > (not “suicide” in English) > suicide (correct meaning)
- Surtir > (not “to sort” in English) > to supply
- Vasar > (not “vase” in English) > basket
- Asistir > (not “assist” in English) > to attend
- Constipado > (not “constipated” in English) > having a cold
- Éxito > (not “exit” in English) > success
- Sensible > (not “sensible” in English) > sensitive
- Raza > (not “race” in English) > breed
- Rato > (not “rat” in English) > while
- Suceso > (not “success” in English) > event
- Fábrica > (not “fabric” in English) > factory
- Surtir > (not “to sort” in English) > to supply
Understanding false cognates is essential for mastering Spanish. By familiarizing yourself with these words, you can enhance your vocabulary and improve your communication skills. Keep practicing, and you’ll be on your way to becoming fluent in Spanish!
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