Learn the Most Common False Friends in English and Spanish
What Are False Friends?
False friends in English and Spanish are words that look or sound similar but have different meanings.
For example, the word “actually” doesn’t mean “actualmente” even though they look almost identical.
- Actually = in fact / in reality
- Actualmente = currently / nowadays
Common False Friends
Embarazada ≠ Embarrassed
❌ Embarrassed = sentir vergüenza
✅ Embarazada = pregnant
Sensible ≠ Sensitive
❌ Sensitive = persona emocional
✅ Sensible = reasonable
Ropa ≠ Rope
❌ Rope = cuerda
✅ Ropa = clothes
Asistir ≠ Assist
❌ Assist = ayudar
✅ Asistir = attend
Éxito ≠ Exit
❌ Exit = salida
✅ Éxito = success
Realizar ≠ Realize
❌ Realize = darse cuenta
✅ Realizar = carry out / do
Librería ≠ Library
❌ Library = biblioteca
✅ Librería = bookstore
Recordar ≠ Record
❌ Record = grabar
✅ Recordar = remember
How to Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Learn the most common false friends, make your own list!
- Read and listen to real Spanish, not just textbooks.
- Ask when you’re unsure, that’s what teachers are here for.
- Connect words with real contexts or images, not literal translations.
False friends in English and Spanish can be funny… or embarrassing.
But once you know them, they’ll help you speak Spanish more confidently and naturally!
Want to learn more real, everyday Spanish?
Follow me on Instagram @spanishwithcarmen for more useful Spanish tips and expressions.
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