False friendEverydaySpanish

Pretender

Meaning: Actually means 'to aim for', 'to try to achieve', or 'to claim'. For pretend (fake), say fingir.

Looks like: Pretend

Origin: From Latin praetendere; Spanish kept 'reaching toward', English took the 'false show' sense.

More false friends — Everyday

  • 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…
  • Attendre Actually means 'to wait for'. J'attends le bus = I'm waiting for the bus. For attend an e…
  • Actuel Actually means 'current' or 'present-day'. Actuellement = currently — not 'actually'.

More Spanish false friends

  • 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.
  • Vaso Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero.

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