False friendFeelingsSpanish

Gracioso

Meaning: Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.

Looks like: Gracious

Origin: From Latin gratiosus; in Spanish the 'pleasing' sense shifted toward 'amusing'.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Sensible Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.
  • Chance Actually means 'luck'. Bonne chance! = Good luck! For chance (probability), say une possi…
  • Sympathique Actually means 'nice' or 'pleasant'. Il est très sympathique = He's very nice — not 'He's…
  • Annoiare Actually means 'to bore'. Mi annoi = You're boring me — gentler than 'you're annoying me'.
  • Morbido Actually means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'smooth'. Una voce morbida = a gentle, smooth voice.
  • Bra Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.

More Spanish false friends

  • Pretender Actually means 'to aim for', 'to try to achieve', or 'to claim'. For pretend (fake), say…
  • Asistir Actually means 'to attend' an event. For assist (to help), say ayudar.
  • Realizar Actually means 'to carry out' or 'to achieve'. For realize (become aware), say darse cuen…
  • Familiar Actually means 'family member' or 'relating to the family'. Un ambiente familiar = a fami…
  • Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.
  • Ropa Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.

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