Familiar

Meaning: Actually means 'family member' or 'relating to the family'. Un ambiente familiar = a family atmosphere.

Language: Spanish

Literally: familiar

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Latin familiaris — Spanish kept the family connection; English generalised to 'well-known'.

More false friends — Everyday

• Rester — Actually means 'to stay' or 'to remain'. Je reste ici = I'm staying here — not taking a n…
• Attendre — Actually means 'to wait for'. J'attends le bus = I'm waiting for the bus. For attend an e…
• Actuel — Actually means 'current' or 'present-day'. Actuellement = currently — not 'actually'.
• Assister — Actually means 'to attend' an event. J'assiste à la réunion = I attend the meeting. For a…
• Phrase — Actually means 'sentence'. For a short phrase or expression, say une expression.
• Ignorer — Actually means 'to be unaware of' or 'not to know'. J'ignore la réponse = I don't know th…

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.

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