False friendEverydayPortuguese

Costume

Meaning: Actually means 'custom' or 'habit'. Como de costume = as usual. An outfit is um traje or uma fantasia.

Looks like: Costume (outfit)

Origin: From Latin consuetudo, 'habit' — English kept the habit but narrowed it to the clothes a custom calls for.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Barn Actually means 'child'. A barn is en lada.
  • Sex Actually means 'six'. Klockan sex = six o'clock.
  • Bord Actually means 'table'. Ett bord för två = a table for two.
  • Stol Actually means 'chair' — any chair, backrest included. A stool is en pall.
  • Time Actually means 'hour'. En halv time = half an hour. Time in the general sense is tid.
  • Sky Actually means 'cloud'. The sky overhead is himmelen.

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  • Educado Actually means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'. For educated (schooled), say instruído.
  • Balcão Actually means 'counter' — in a shop, bar or bank. A balcony is uma varanda.
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  • Polvo Actually means 'octopus'. For powder, say pó.
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