False friendEverydaySpanish

Actual

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

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…

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Querencia A place where you feel safe, grounded, and most fully yourself — a sanctuary from which y…
  • Estrenar The specific pleasure of wearing, using, or showing off something brand new for the very…
  • Friolero A person who feels the cold far more than everyone else — always the first to reach for a…

Browse all untranslatable words →

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