Simpatichny (Симпатичный)

Meaning: Actually means 'good-looking' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say сочувствующий (sochuvstvuyushchiy).

Language: Russian

Literally: sympathetic

Category: Feelings

Origin: The same Greek sympatheia split that caught French sympathique and Spanish simpático — everyone but English took the 'pleasant' reading.

More false friends — Feelings

• Embarazada — Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a.
• Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
• Bravo — Actually means 'good, skilled, well-behaved'. For brave, say coraggioso.
• Molestar — Actually means 'to bother' or 'to annoy'. ¿Te molesta el ruido? = Does the noise bother y…
• Simpático — Actually means 'nice' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say comprensivo.
• Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.

More Russian false friends

• Aktualny (Актуальный) — Actually means 'topical' or 'currently relevant'. For actual (real), say настоящий (nasto…
• Artist (Артист) — Actually means 'performer' — an actor, singer or circus artiste. A painter is художник (k…
• Magazin (Магазин) — Actually means 'shop' or 'store'. A magazine (periodical) is журнал (zhurnal).
• Familiya (Фамилия) — Actually means 'surname'. A family is семья (semya).
• Intelligentny (Интеллигентный) — Actually means 'cultured' and 'well-mannered'. For clever, say умный (umny).

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