Portuguese False Friends

A curated set of 10 false friends in Portuguese — literal translations, real meanings, and where each one comes from.

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• Polvo — Actually means 'octopus'. For powder, say pó. Literally: powder.
• Jornal — Actually means 'newspaper'. For a personal journal (diary), say diário. Literally: journal.
• Pasta — Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa. Literally: pasta.
• Puxe — Actually means 'pull' — the imperative of puxar. The door sign telling you to push says empurre. Literally: push.
• Esquisito — Actually means 'strange', 'weird' or 'odd'. For exquisite, say requintado. Literally: exquisite.
• Livraria — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is uma biblioteca. Literally: library.
• Costume — Actually means 'custom' or 'habit'. Como de costume = as usual. An outfit is um traje or uma fantasia. Literally: costume (outfit).
• Educado — Actually means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'. For educated (schooled), say instruído. Literally: educated.
• Balcão — Actually means 'counter' — in a shop, bar or bank. A balcony is uma varanda. Literally: balcony.
• Injúria — Actually means 'insult' or 'slander'. A physical injury is uma lesão or um ferimento. Literally: injury.

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