What is a false friend? False friends are words that are similar in Spanish and English but their meanings are different. For example, when a Spanish student reads the word EMBARRASSED, he/she thinks it means embarazada. However, despite its similarity to the Spanish word, the meaning is : avergonzado. Although most of you know the most common ones, Spanish speakers tend to forget the real meanings of the words when writing and speaking. That is why, I provide you with a short revision of them!
What are the meaning of these words?
1. QUIET 11. EVENTUALLY
2. CONSTIPATED 12. LECTURE
3. COLLAR 13. MASCARA
4. ACTUAL 14. SENSIBLE
5. ADVISE 15. COLLEGE
6. ARENA 16. AVOCADO
7. PROVE 17. BALLOON
8. DISCUSSION 18. CARPET
9. RECEIPT 19. CONDUCTOR
10. LARGE 20. IDIOM
How many do you know? 10, 12, 20?
KEY:
1. Calmado (no quieto)
2. Estreñido (no constipado)
3. Cuello de una camisa (no collar de joyas)
4. Real (no actual)
5. Aconsejar (no avisar)
6. Estadio, ruedo (no arena)
7. Demostrar ( no probar)
8. Conversación, debate (no discusión)
9. Recibo (no receta)
10. Grande (no largo)
11. Finalmente (no eventualmente)
12. Conferencia ( no lectura)
13. Rímel (no máscara)
14. Sensato (no sensible)
15. Universidad (no colegio)
16. Aguacate (no abogado)
17. Globo (no balón)
18. Alfombra (no carpeta)
19. Director de orquesta (no conductor de vehículos)
20. Frase hecha, expresión (no idioma)
Now, what's the English word for the blue words? Leave a comment and tell me if you know all of them!
Thanks Belen for explain us the meaning of these words. It's so funny that constipated is "Estreñido" but someone can feel offesed if he/she is sneezing and you say "Are you constipated?".
ResponderEliminarYes! I really like false friends because they are so confusing! They are usually veru difficult for Spanish students but once you learn them, it's very easy. Thanks for following me, Rubén!
EliminarI agree with you. This is a very useful section. False friends always are a source of problems. It woud be interesting to add more of them: comprehensive, ignore...
ResponderEliminar