False friendEverydaySpanish

Ropa

Meaning: Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.

Looks like: Rope

Origin: From a Germanic root for 'garment'; the English 'robe' is its closer relative, not 'rope'.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Once Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.
  • 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.

More Spanish false friends

  • Sopa Actually means 'soup'. Soap is jabón.
  • 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.

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Puente The day taken off to 'bridge' a midweek public holiday to the weekend, turning it into a…
  • Vergüenza ajena The squirming embarrassment felt on behalf of another person, who may be entirely untroub…
  • Sobremesa The unhurried conversation that lingers long after a meal, when no one wants to leave the…

Browse all untranslatable words →

Keep exploring

Explore all false friends →