Jornal

Meaning: Actually means 'newspaper'. For a personal journal (diary), say diário.

Language: Portuguese

Looks like: journal

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Latin diurnalis via French journal — Portuguese kept the printed-news meaning.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Bekommen — Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
  • Rat — Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.
  • Ropa — Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.
  • Once — Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.
  • Monnaie — Actually means 'change' or 'coins'. Money in general is l'argent.
  • Pasta — Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.

More Portuguese false friends

  • Puxe — Actually means 'pull' — the imperative of puxar. The door sign telling you to push says e…
  • Esquisito — Actually means 'strange', 'weird' or 'odd'. For exquisite, say requintado.
  • Livraria — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is uma biblioteca.
  • Costume — Actually means 'custom' or 'habit'. Como de costume = as usual. An outfit is um traje or…
  • Educado — Actually means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'. For educated (schooled), say instruído.
  • Balcão — Actually means 'counter' — in a shop, bar or bank. A balcony is uma varanda.

From our idioms

  • cair em saco roto — Words or advice that fail to reach their intended audience; to be ignored or dismissed.
  • ás na manga — A hidden advantage or resource held in reserve to be revealed when needed.
  • matar cachorro a grito — To be extremely poor or destitute.

Browse all idioms →

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