False friendFeelingsSpanish

Embarazada

Meaning: Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a.

Looks like: Embarrassed

Origin: The classic Spanish–English trap; from Portuguese embaraçar, 'to entangle'.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Sensible Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
  • Bravo Actually means 'good, skilled, well-behaved'. For brave, say coraggioso.
  • 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.
  • Sensible Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.

More Spanish false friends

  • Constipado Actually means 'having a head cold'. Estoy constipado = I have a cold.
  • Éxito Actually means 'success'. An exit is una salida.
  • Actual Actually means 'current' or 'present'. For actual (real), say real or verdadero.
  • 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.

Explore another collection: Idioms

Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.

Browse all idioms →

Keep exploring

Explore all false friends →