Understanding False Cognates
False cognates, also known as “false friends,” are words in two languages that appear to be related but differ significantly in meaning. They’re especially common between English and Spanish because both languages have borrowed extensively from Latin. However, not all similar-sounding words share the same meaning, and falling for these traps can lead to misunderstandings—sometimes of the embarrassing kind!
Top Embarrassing False Cognates Between English and Spanish
1. Embarazada – Not “Embarrassed”
Perhaps the most notorious false cognate is embarazada. While it sounds like “embarrassed,” it actually means “pregnant” in Spanish. Imagine the confusion if you say “Estoy embarazada” when you mean to say you’re embarrassed! The correct way to express embarrassment in Spanish is “Estoy avergonzado/a.”
2. Asistir – Not “Assist”
Asistir might look like “assist,” but it means “to attend” (an event or place). If you want to say “assist” in Spanish, use ayudar. Saying “Voy a asistir a mi amigo” would actually mean you’re going to attend your friend, not help them!
3. Ropa – Not “Rope”
While ropa seems like “rope,” it actually means “clothes.” The Spanish word for “rope” is cuerda. Don’t be surprised if someone looks confused when you ask for “ropa” at a hardware store!
4. Sensible – Not “Sensible”
In Spanish, sensible means “sensitive,” not “sensible” (which would be sensato). If you describe yourself as “muy sensible,” you’re saying you’re very sensitive, not practical or reasonable.
5. Molestar – Not “Molest”
This is a classic trap. Molestar simply means “to bother” or “to annoy” in Spanish. The English verb “to molest” has a much more serious and negative meaning. So, saying “Me molesta el ruido” only means “The noise bothers me.”
6. Constipado – Not “Constipated”
In Spanish, constipado means “to have a cold” or “to be congested,” not constipated. If you’re experiencing digestive troubles, the correct Spanish term is estreñido/a. Mixing these up can lead to some awkward health conversations!
7. Éxito – Not “Exit”
Éxito looks like “exit,” but it actually means “success.” If you’re searching for the way out, look for salida, not éxito!
8. Realizar – Not “Realize”
Realizar means “to carry out” or “to accomplish,” not “to realize” (which is darse cuenta). Saying “Me realicé que…” would confuse native speakers; instead, use “Me di cuenta de que…”
9. Introducir – Not “Introduce”
While introducir does mean “to insert” or “to put in,” the word for “to introduce (someone)” is presentar. Saying “Voy a introducirte a mi amigo” would sound strange—instead, say “Voy a presentarte a mi amigo.”
10. Grosería – Not “Grocery”
In Spanish, grosería means “rude word” or “bad manners,” not grocery. The word for grocery store is tienda de comestibles or supermercado. So, asking where the “grosería” is could lead to a misunderstanding!
Why False Cognates Cause Embarrassment
Many of these false cognates relate to personal or sensitive topics—like health, feelings, or social situations. Using them incorrectly can not only confuse your conversation partner but also put you in an awkward spot. For Spanish learners, especially beginners, it’s essential to recognize these false friends to communicate clearly and confidently.
Tips to Avoid Embarrassing Mistakes
- Study common false cognates: Make a list (like the one above) and review it regularly.
- Learn words in context: Don’t just memorize isolated vocabulary—see how words are used in real sentences.
- Practice with native speakers: Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to get real-time feedback and clarification.
- Ask when unsure: If you’re not sure about a word’s meaning, don’t hesitate to ask or look it up.
Conclusion
False cognates between English and Spanish are a common stumbling block for learners, and some can lead to truly embarrassing situations! By familiarizing yourself with these tricky words and practicing regularly—especially with tools and communities like those at Talkpal—you can avoid awkward misunderstandings and become a more confident Spanish speaker. Remember, every mistake is a learning opportunity, but a little preparation goes a long way in mastering Spanish vocabulary.
