False friendEverydaySpanish

Lectura

Meaning: Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.

Looks like: Lecture

Origin: Both from Latin lectura, 'a reading' — only English narrowed it to a formal academic talk.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Compromiso Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
  • 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…
  • Rester Actually means 'to stay' or 'to remain'. Je reste ici = I'm staying here — not taking a n…

More Spanish false friends

  • Gracioso Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.
  • Sensible Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.
  • 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.

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Puente The day taken off to 'bridge' a midweek public holiday to the weekend, turning it into a…
  • Vergüenza ajena The squirming embarrassment felt on behalf of another person, who may be entirely untroub…
  • Sobremesa The unhurried conversation that lingers long after a meal, when no one wants to leave the…

Browse all untranslatable words →

Keep exploring

Explore all false friends →