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. Literally: actual.
• 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. Literally: sensible.
• Familiar — Actually means 'family member' or 'relating to the family'. Un ambiente familiar = a family atmosphere. Literally: familiar.
• 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. Literally: once.
• Vaso — Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero. Literally: vase.

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