In learning a new language, one of the biggest challenges for English students is dealing with false friends. This term refers to words that, although they sound or are written similarly in two languages, have completely different meanings. In the case of English and Spanish, there are numerous examples of false friends that can confuse learners. In this article by FunTalk, we will explain what false friends in English are, provide some false friends examples, and offer tips on how to avoid common mistakes when using them.
What are false friends?
The concept of false friends refers to words that are similar in two languages but, upon analyzing their meaning, we discover they are very different. This phenomenon occurs due to the historical evolution of languages or the influence they have on each other. In the case of English and Spanish, many terms seem familiar to Spanish speakers, but their meaning in English can be entirely different.
For example, in English, the word “actual” does not mean “actual” in Spanish; instead, it means “real” or “true.” Similarly, “eventually” in English means “finally” or “in the long run,” not “eventualmente.” These are just some of the false friends that confuse students early in their learning journey.
Common false friends between English and Spanish
To help you identify and avoid confusion, here are some of the most common false friends between English and Spanish. Pay attention to these examples and avoid assuming they mean the same thing.
- Embarassed vs Embarazada: “Embarazada” in Spanish means “pregnant” in English, while “embarrassed” in English means “ashamed.” Confusing them could lead to an inappropriate sentence, such as saying “I’m embarazada” instead of “I’m embarrassed.”
- Actual vs Actual: “Actual” in English means “real” or “true,” not “actual” as in Spanish, which refers to “current.” Saying “The actual event was amazing” means the event was real, not current.
- Library vs Librería: “Library” in English means “biblioteca,” while “librería” in Spanish means “bookstore,” not the place where books are consulted.
- Assist vs Asistir: “Assist” in English means “to help,” while “asistir” in Spanish means “to attend.” Saying “I will assist to the meeting” is incorrect; you should say “I will attend the meeting.”
- Constipated vs Constipado: “Constipated” in English means “constipated” (intestinally blocked), while “constipado” in Spanish means “having a cold.” Saying “I’m constipated” in English means you have digestive issues, not a cold.
How to avoid false friends?
To avoid making these mistakes and improve your English skills, it is essential to be aware of false friends and their correct usage. Here are some tips to minimize confusion:
- Consult a reliable dictionary: Whenever you have doubts about the meaning of a word, it’s important to consult a dictionary that provides both its meaning in English and its contextual usage. There are specialized dictionaries on false friends that can be very helpful.
- Learn contextual differences: Many false friends may look similar in form, but their meaning changes depending on the context. Ensure you understand the context in which a word is used before employing it.
- Practice with exercises: A great way to learn is through practice. Engage in exercises focused on false friends to become familiar with them. This will help you recognize terms more quickly and avoid mistakes when speaking or writing in English.
- Listen and observe in English: Listening to and reading materials in English, such as movies, series, and books, will help you understand how words are used in everyday contexts. Additionally, listening to native speakers will accustom you to correct pronunciations and meanings.
False friends are one of the biggest difficulties English learners face. Despite some English and Spanish words sounding similar, it is crucial to know their differences in meaning to avoid misunderstandings. Through consistent practice and context observation, it is possible to master the correct use of these words. Don’t let false friends throw you off your learning journey. Keep learning and improving your English!