Once
Meaning: Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.
Language: Spanish
Looks like: once
Category: Everyday
Origin: From Latin undecim, 'eleven' — its spelling matches English 'once' by pure coincidence.
More false friends — Everyday
- Monnaie — Actually means 'change' or 'coins'. Money in general is l'argent.
- Pasta — Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.
- Big — Actually means 'piglet'. For big, say groot.
- Kind — Actually means 'child'. For kind (nice), say aardig or vriendelijk.
- Wet — Actually means 'law'. For wet, say nat.
- Elf — Actually means 'eleven'. Elf uur = eleven o'clock.
More Spanish false friends
- Vaso — Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero.
- Embarazada — Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a.
- Constipado — Actually means 'having a head cold'. Estoy constipado = I have a cold.
- Éxito — Actually means 'success'. An exit is una salida.
- Actual — Actually means 'current' or 'present'. For actual (real), say real or verdadero.
- Largo — Actually means 'long'. For large, say grande.
From our proverbs
- You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs — Progress requires sacrifice.
- What doesn't kill you makes you stronger — Adversity builds resilience and character.
- It takes two to tango — Both parties are responsible in a conflict.