What Are False Friends?
False friends, or “falsos amigos,” are pairs of words in two languages that appear to be similar but mean different things. Since Spanish and Portuguese share Latin roots, many words look alike, but their meanings have evolved differently over time. Recognizing these linguistic traps is crucial for anyone learning Portuguese, especially if you already speak Spanish.
The Most Common False Friends Between Spanish and Portuguese
Below, we highlight some of the most frequent and tricky false friends that Spanish speakers encounter when learning Portuguese. Understanding these will boost your confidence and fluency.
1. Embarazada vs. Embaraçada
Spanish: Embarazada means “pregnant.”
Portuguese: Embaraçada means “embarrassed” or “confused.”
In Portuguese, the word for “pregnant” is grávida. Mixing these up can lead to some very awkward situations!
2. Ropa vs. Roupa
Spanish: Ropa means “clothes.”
Portuguese: Roupa also means “clothes.”
However, ropa in Portuguese does not exist. Be careful not to use the Spanish spelling when writing in Portuguese.
3. Assistir vs. Asistir
Spanish: Asistir means “to attend” (an event, class, etc.).
Portuguese: Assistir primarily means “to watch” (a movie, TV, etc.), but it can also mean “to attend” in some contexts.
This dual meaning can be confusing, so pay attention to context when using assistir in Portuguese.
4. Puxar vs. Puchar
Spanish: Puchar is not a standard word, but many Spanish speakers use it colloquially for “to push.”
Portuguese: Puxar means “to pull.”
The Portuguese word for “to push” is empurrar. Remember: puxar is the opposite of what many Spanish speakers might think!
5. Apoyar vs. Apoiar
Spanish: Apoyar means “to support.”
Portuguese: Apoiar also means “to support.”
However, the confusion arises with the Spanish word soportar (“to tolerate/endure”), which is similar to the Portuguese suportar (also “to tolerate/endure”).
6. Rato vs. Rato
Spanish: Rato means “a while” or “a short period of time.”
Portuguese: Rato means “rat” (the animal).
In Portuguese, “a while” is um tempo or um momento. Saying “um rato” in Portuguese will have people thinking you’re talking about rodents!
7. Oficio vs. Ofício
Spanish: Oficio means “job” or “trade.”
Portuguese: Ofício can mean a “formal letter” or “official document,” and sometimes “trade/profession.”
The main word for “job” in Portuguese is emprego or trabalho.
8. Salir vs. Sair
Although salir (Spanish) and sair (Portuguese) both mean “to go out,” the conjugations and pronunciations differ. Be careful with context and verb forms, as they are easily mixed up.
9. Largo vs. Largo
Spanish: Largo means “long.”
Portuguese: Largo means “wide” or “broad.”
If you want to say “long” in Portuguese, use comprido.
10. Pasta vs. Pasta
Spanish: Pasta can mean “paste,” “money” (slang), or “pasta” (the food).
Portuguese: Pasta mainly means “folder” (for documents), and “pasta” (the food) is also used, but less commonly. For “paste,” Portuguese uses pasta as well, but context is crucial.
Why False Friends Matter for Language Learners
False friends can easily trip up even the most diligent learners, leading to misunderstandings or unintended humor. For Spanish speakers learning Portuguese, these pitfalls are especially common due to the close relationship between the languages. Paying attention to these differences from the start will help you communicate more accurately and avoid common mistakes.
How to Avoid False Friends When Learning Portuguese
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice using resources like Talkpal can reinforce correct usage and help you remember tricky words.
- Pay attention to context: Many false friends only reveal their true meaning in context, so always look at how a word is used in a sentence.
- Make a list: Keep a personal list of false friends and review it often.
- Ask native speakers: When in doubt, consult with native speakers or language learning communities to clarify meanings.
Conclusion
Understanding the most common false friends between Spanish and Portuguese is key to mastering Portuguese without confusion. By staying aware of these tricky word pairs and practicing regularly with tools like Talkpal, you’ll be able to communicate confidently and accurately in Portuguese. Remember, every language has its quirks, and learning to navigate them is part of the fun and challenge of becoming multilingual!
