False friendFeelingsSpanish

Molestar

Meaning: Actually means 'to bother' or 'to annoy'. ¿Te molesta el ruido? = Does the noise bother you?

Looks like: Molest

Origin: From Latin molestare, 'to trouble' — the English sense hardened over centuries; Spanish stayed mild.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Simpático Actually means 'nice' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say comprensivo.
  • Gracioso Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.
  • 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'.

More Spanish false friends

  • Carpeta Actually means 'folder' or 'binder'. A carpet is una alfombra.
  • Lectura Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
  • 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…

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