Simpático

Meaning: Actually means 'nice' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say comprensivo.

Language: Spanish

Literally: sympathetic

Category: Feelings

Origin: From Greek sympatheia — Spanish settled on 'pleasant to be around', not 'feeling another's pain'.

More false friends — Feelings

• Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.
• Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.
• 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.

More Spanish false friends

• Carpeta — Actually means 'folder' or 'binder'. A carpet is una alfombra.
• Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
• Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
• Pretender — Actually means 'to aim for', 'to try to achieve', or 'to claim'. For pretend (fake), say…
• 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…

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