False friendEverydaySpanish

Once

Meaning: Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.

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.

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