Actual

Meaning: Actually means 'current' or 'present'. For actual (real), say real or verdadero.

Language: Spanish

Literally: actual

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Latin actualis; in Spanish it stuck to 'of the present moment'. Actualmente = currently, not 'actually'.

More false friends — Everyday

• Largo — Actually means 'long'. For large, say grande.
• Carpeta — Actually means 'folder' or 'binder'. A carpet is una alfombra.
• Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
• Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
• Pretender — Actually means 'to aim for', 'to try to achieve', or 'to claim'. For pretend (fake), say…
• Asistir — Actually means 'to attend' an event. For assist (to help), say ayudar.

More Spanish false friends

• Molestar — Actually means 'to bother' or 'to annoy'. ¿Te molesta el ruido? = Does the noise bother y…
• Simpático — Actually means 'nice' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say comprensivo.
• Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.
• Realizar — Actually means 'to carry out' or 'to achieve'. For realize (become aware), say darse cuen…
• Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.
• Familiar — Actually means 'family member' or 'relating to the family'. Un ambiente familiar = a fami…

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