False friendEveryday
Spanish
Familiar
Meaning: Actually means 'family member' or 'relating to the family'. Un ambiente familiar = a family atmosphere.
Origin: From Latin familiaris — Spanish kept the family connection; English generalised to 'well-known'.
More Spanish false friends
- 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.
- Vaso Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero.
- Embarazada Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- No se puede estar en misa y repicando You can't do two incompatible things at once.
- Cada loco con su tema Everyone has their own fixations and tastes; let them be.
- Nadie da duros a cuatro pesetas If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.
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