False Friends — Words That Look Familiar But Lie

False friends are words that look like English but mean something completely different. Explore these deceptive cognates across French, Spanish, German, and more — and stop getting tricked.

  • Embarazada (Spanish) — Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a. Literally: Embarrassed.
  • Gift (German) — Actually means 'poison'. A present is ein Geschenk.
  • Sensible (French) — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
  • Librairie (French) — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque. Literally: Library.
  • Constipado (Spanish) — Actually means 'having a head cold'. Estoy constipado = I have a cold. Literally: Constipated.
  • Éxito (Spanish) — Actually means 'success'. An exit is una salida. Literally: Exit.
  • Handy (German) — Actually means 'a mobile phone'. For handy/useful, say praktisch.
  • Pain (French) — Actually means 'bread'. The hurting kind of pain is la douleur.
  • Coin (French) — Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.
  • Caldo (Italian) — Actually means 'hot' (or a hot broth). Cold is freddo. Literally: Cold.
  • Fast (German) — Actually means 'almost'. For fast/quick, say schnell.
  • Bravo (Italian) — Actually means 'good, skilled, well-behaved'. For brave, say coraggioso. Literally: Brave.
Explore more: Proverbs Idioms Compliments & Insults Untranslatable Words Tongue Twisters
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From the blog: Speak of the Devil: Spooky Idioms From Around the World

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