False friendEverydaySpanish

Carpeta

Meaning: Actually means 'folder' or 'binder'. A carpet is una alfombra.

Looks like: Carpet

Origin: From French carpette, a small rug — Spanish repurposed the word for flat, folder-shaped objects.

More Spanish false friends

  • Gracioso Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.
  • Sensible Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.
  • Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.
  • Ropa Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.
  • Sopa Actually means 'soup'. Soap is jabón.
  • Once Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.

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