Glass

Meaning: Actually means 'ice cream'. En glass = an ice cream. For a glass (vessel), say ett glas.

Language: Swedish

Literally: glass (drinking vessel)

Category: Food & Body

Origin: An everyday joy for Swedish children encountering English speakers.

More false friends — Food & Body

• Polvo — Actually means 'octopus'. For powder, say pó.
• Sopa — Actually means 'soup'. Soap is jabón.
• Fame — Actually means 'hunger'. Ho fame = I'm hungry. For fame (renown), say fama.
• Vaso — Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero.
• Constipado — Actually means 'having a head cold'. Estoy constipado = I have a cold.
• Pain — Actually means 'bread'. The hurting kind of pain is la douleur.

More Swedish false friends

• Semester — Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.
• Fart — Actually means 'speed' or 'momentum'. Full fart = full speed ahead.
• Bra — Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.

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