Language of the Day: False Friends

Today’s Language of the Day blog is for our Spanish speaking students. If you’re learning English, chances are you’ve encountered a few words that sound the same in your language. But do they have the same meaning? Check out today’s blog to learn about “false friends” between English and Spanish that can trip up your English communication.

English and Spanish share many words that look alike, thanks to their Latin roots and centuries of linguistic exchange. But not all familiar-looking words are what they seem. These deceptive lookalikes—known as false friends—can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and even some funny moments.

Whether you're an English speaker learning Spanish or a Spanish speaker learning English, it's important to be aware of these tricky terms.

What Are False Friends?

False friends are words in two languages that look or sound similar but have different meanings. They often arise from shared etymology but have evolved in different directions over time.

Let’s explore some of the most common false friends between English and Spanish:

1. Actual (English) vs. Actual (Spanish)

  • English: Real or factual

  • Spanish: Current or up-to-date

  • Example: “The actual situation” in English means the real situation, but in Spanish, la situación actual means the current situation.

2. Embarazada (Spanish) vs. Embarrassed (English)

  • Spanish: Pregnant

  • English: Ashamed or self-conscious

  • Example: Saying “I’m embarazada” to express embarrassment could lead to some very confused reactions!

3. Librería (Spanish) vs. Library (English)

  • Spanish: Bookstore

  • English: A place to borrow books

  • Example: “I’m going to the librería” means you’re buying books, not borrowing them.

4. Sensible (English) vs. Sensible (Spanish)

  • English: Practical, reasonable

  • Spanish: Sensitive or emotional

  • Example: “She’s very sensible” in English means she makes good decisions, but in Spanish, ella es muy sensible means she’s emotionally sensitive.

5. Molestar (Spanish) vs. Molest (English)

  • Spanish: To bother or annoy

  • English: To assault or harass (a much stronger and more serious meaning)

  • Example: “¿Te molesta si abro la ventana?” is a polite question in Spanish, but the word molest in English is not used lightly.

6. Sopa (Spanish) vs. Soap (English)

  • Spanish: Soup

  • English: A cleansing product

  • Example: “I had soap for dinner” would definitely raise eyebrows!

Why Do These Mix-Ups Happen?

False friends often stem from shared Latin roots, but over time, meanings diverge due to cultural and linguistic evolution. English has borrowed heavily from French and Latin, while Spanish has retained many Latin-based words with different meanings.

Tips to Avoid False Friend Confusion

  • Double-check translations: Don’t rely solely on word similarity.

  • Use context clues: Meaning often depends on how the word is used.

  • Practice with native speakers: Real conversations help reinforce correct usage.

  • Keep a personal list: Track the false friends you encounter and review them regularly.

Final Thoughts

False friends are a fascinating part of language learning. They remind us that words carry more than just letters—they carry history, culture, and nuance. By learning to spot these tricky terms, you’ll become a more confident and accurate communicator in both English and Spanish.

So next time a word looks familiar, take a moment to ask: Is it really what I think it means?

Zach J