False friendEverydayPortuguese

Pasta

Meaning: Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.

Origin: From Late Latin pasta, 'dough/paste'; Portuguese extended it to flat, folder-shaped things.

More Portuguese false friends

  • 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.
  • Injúria Actually means 'insult' or 'slander'. A physical injury is uma lesão or um ferimento.

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