Spanish False Friends

A curated set of 21 false friends in Spanish — literal translations, real meanings, and where each one comes from.

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• Embarazada — Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a. Literally: Embarrassed.
• Constipado — Actually means 'having a head cold'. Estoy constipado = I have a cold. Literally: Constipated.
• Éxito — Actually means 'success'. An exit is una salida. Literally: Exit.
• Actual — Actually means 'current' or 'present'. For actual (real), say real or verdadero.
• Largo — Actually means 'long'. For large, say grande. Literally: Large.
• Molestar — Actually means 'to bother' or 'to annoy'. ¿Te molesta el ruido? = Does the noise bother you? Literally: Molest.
• Simpático — Actually means 'nice' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say comprensivo. Literally: Sympathetic.
• Carpeta — Actually means 'folder' or 'binder'. A carpet is una alfombra. Literally: Carpet.
• Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia. Literally: Lecture.
• Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise, say acuerdo. Literally: Compromise.
• Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable. Literally: Gracious.
• Pretender — Actually means 'to aim for', 'to try to achieve', or 'to claim'. For pretend (fake), say fingir. Literally: Pretend.
• Asistir — Actually means 'to attend' an event. For assist (to help), say ayudar. Literally: Assist.
• Realizar — Actually means 'to carry out' or 'to achieve'. For realize (become aware), say darse cuenta. Literally: Realize.
• Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.
• Familiar — Actually means 'family member' or 'relating to the family'. Un ambiente familiar = a family atmosphere.
• Disgusto — Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco. Literally: Disgust.
• Ropa — Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda. Literally: Rope.
• Sopa — Actually means 'soup'. Soap is jabón. Literally: Soap.
• 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. Literally: Vase.

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