Common Spanish False Friends That Can Trick You
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Have you ever confidently used a Spanish word that looks just like an English one, only to be met with confused stares or awkward laughter? Welcome to the wonderfully tricky world of false friends! These are words in Spanish that look or sound like English words but have completely different meanings. They’re sneaky, misleading, and can turn an innocent conversation into a hilarious (or embarrassing) situation. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up your Spanish, knowing these false friends can save you from some classic language blunders.
What Are False Friends?
False friends, or falsos amigos, are pairs of words in two languages that look or sound similar but differ significantly in meaning. English and Spanish share many Latin roots, so it’s no surprise that there are tons of lookalike words. But beware—many of them don’t mean what you think.
Some Common Spanish False Friends to Watch Out For:
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Embarazada ≠ Embarrassed
You might think you're saying you're embarrassed, but embarazada means pregnant! The correct way to say "embarrassed" is avergonzado/a. -
Ropa ≠ Rope
Ropa means clothes, not something to climb with! If you're looking for "rope," use cuerda. -
Asistir ≠ Assist
While it sounds like "to assist," asistir means "to attend" (like a class or an event). If you want to say "assist," use ayudar. -
Sensible ≠ Sensible
This one's tricky. Sensible in Spanish means "sensitive," not practical or reasonable. To say "sensible," use sensato/a. -
Molestar ≠ Molest
Don’t panic—molestar means "to bother" or "to annoy." It's much milder than it sounds to English ears. -
Éxito ≠ Exit
Éxito means success, not a way out. If you're looking for an exit, that’s salida.
Why False Friends Matter?
Misusing these words can lead to awkward (sometimes hilarious) misunderstandings. But beyond the laughs, learning to spot and correctly use false friends will help you sound more fluent and avoid major communication slip-ups. Plus, it's one step closer to mastering the subtle details that make a language feel natural.
Want to avoid embarrassing mix-ups and speak Spanish with confidence? Join The Language Skool (TLS)—where fun, expert-led classes make Spanish learning easy and engaging. Whether you're just starting or looking to polish your skills, TLS is the perfect place to grow your language journey.
