False friendFeelingsSpanish

Sensible

Meaning: Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.

Origin: From Latin sensibilis — Spanish and English each went a different direction. Same trap as French.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Chance Actually means 'luck'. Bonne chance! = Good luck! For chance (probability), say une possi…
  • Sympathique Actually means 'nice' or 'pleasant'. Il est très sympathique = He's very nice — not 'He's…
  • Annoiare Actually means 'to bore'. Mi annoi = You're boring me — gentler than 'you're annoying me'.
  • Morbido Actually means 'soft', 'gentle', or 'smooth'. Una voce morbida = a gentle, smooth voice.
  • Bra Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.
  • Slim Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever.

More Spanish false friends

  • Familiar Actually means 'family member' or 'relating to the family'. Un ambiente familiar = a fami…
  • 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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