Balcão

Meaning: Actually means 'counter' — in a shop, bar or bank. A balcony is uma varanda.

Language: Portuguese

Literally: balcony

Category: Places

Origin: From Italian balcone; Portuguese brought the word indoors and fixed it to the counter you're served at.

More false friends — Places

Grind — Actually means 'gate' — the garden or field kind. To grind is mala.
Librairie — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.
Coin — Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.
Location — Actually means 'rental'. Une location de voiture = a car rental. For location (place), sa…
Gymnasium — Actually means 'grammar school' or 'academic high school'. A sports hall is eine Turnhall…
Camera — Actually means 'room'. A camera (device) is una macchina fotografica.

Injúria — Actually means 'insult' or 'slander'. A physical injury is uma lesão or um ferimento.
Polvo — Actually means 'octopus'. For powder, say pó.
Jornal — Actually means 'newspaper'. For a personal journal (diary), say diário.
Pasta — Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.
Puxe — Actually means 'pull' — the imperative of puxar. The door sign telling you to push says e…
Esquisito — Actually means 'strange', 'weird' or 'odd'. For exquisite, say requintado.

Loading the full interactive collection…