What Are False Cognates?
False cognates, or “false friends,” are words in two languages that appear similar but have different meanings. While some English and Portuguese words share the same roots and meanings (true cognates), false cognates can easily trip up language learners. Misinterpreting these words can lead to embarrassing or confusing situations, so it’s important to recognize and remember them.
Most Common False Cognates Between English and Portuguese
1. Actual vs. Atual
Actual in English means “real” or “existing in fact.” In Portuguese, atual means “current” or “present.” For example, “actual situation” in English would be situação real in Portuguese, while “atual situação” in Portuguese translates to “current situation.”
2. Pretend vs. Pretender
Pretend in English means to make believe or to act as if something is true. The Portuguese verb pretender actually means “to intend” or “to plan.” So, “I pretend to go” would be eu finjo ir in Portuguese, not eu pretendo ir (which means “I intend to go”).
3. Push vs. Puxar
English speakers may assume puxar means “to push,” but it actually means “to pull.” The correct verb for “to push” in Portuguese is empurrar. Don’t get stuck at a door—remember: puxar is “pull,” empurrar is “push.”
4. Assist vs. Assistir
While assist in English means “to help,” the verb assistir in Portuguese usually means “to watch” (like a movie or TV show). To say “assist” in the sense of helping, use ajudar in Portuguese.
5. Library vs. Livraria
The English word library refers to a place where you borrow books. In Portuguese, livraria is a bookstore, a place where you buy books. The correct word for “library” in Portuguese is biblioteca.
6. Eventually vs. Eventualmente
In English, eventually means “in the end” or “after some time.” In Portuguese, eventualmente means “occasionally” or “sometimes.” For “eventually” in Portuguese, use finalmente or por fim.
7. Parents vs. Parentes
Parents in English means your mother and father. In Portuguese, parentes refers to relatives in general, not just your parents. The Portuguese word for “parents” is pais.
8. Push vs. Puxar
This is a classic example. While push is “empurrar” in Portuguese, many learners mistakenly use puxar, which actually means “to pull.” Remember: if you see “puxe” on a door, pull it!
9. Sympathetic vs. Simpatíco
In English, sympathetic means showing compassion. In Portuguese, simpático means “friendly” or “nice.” To say someone is sympathetic in the English sense, you might use compassivo or solidário in Portuguese.
10. Push vs. Puxar
This may seem repetitive, but it’s such a common mistake that it’s worth emphasizing again! “Push” is empurrar and “pull” is puxar in Portuguese. Many English speakers confuse these two due to the similarity in spelling.
How to Avoid Mistakes with False Cognates
Memorizing lists can help, but the best way to master false cognates is through context, exposure, and practice. Immersing yourself in Portuguese media, reading authentic materials, and practicing with native speakers are all effective strategies. Additionally, using language learning platforms like Talkpal can help you reinforce correct usage through interactive exercises and AI-powered feedback tailored to your learning needs.
Conclusion
False cognates can be tricky, but with awareness and practice, you can avoid the most common pitfalls when learning Portuguese as an English speaker. By studying these examples and using language learning resources such as Talkpal, you’ll quickly build confidence and fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy your journey to mastering Portuguese!
