False Friends part 3

False friends are words in two languages that are similar in appearance and/or pronunciation but have different meanings.
During the following days you will find a selection of the most common False friends in English and its respective meaning in Spanish. Always with an example.

With this list you can learn how to use those words and avoid confusions.

Common English Words

1.    Preservative: This organic food tastes wonderful! It must be because it contains no preservatives.
2.    Realize: I did not realize he was your father, but it makes sense now because you have this looks.
3.    Sympathetic: My father is not very sympathetic when I tell him I have to get up for work at 6.30 a.m.
4.    Attend: It is essential that you attend the meeting tomorrow.
5.    Conform: The standards of hygiene in the restaurant did not conform to Government regulations.
6.    Rope: When we were young we made a swing with some rope and a piece of large wood.
7.    Sensible: Be sensible and take an umbrella with you when you’re in London in December.
8.    Spade: I never take the kids to the beach without their bucket and spade.
9.    Spectacles (old fashioned): My Grandfather couldn’t see a thing without his spectacles.

Equivalent Spanish Translations

1.    Conservante: ¡Esta comida orgánica sabe de maravilla! Tiene que ser porque no contiene conservantes.
2.    Darse cuenta: No me di cuenta que era tu padre pero tiene sentido ahora porque tienes su aspecto.
3.    Comprensivo: Mi padre no es muy comprensivo cuando le digo que tengo que levantarme a las 6.30 para trabajar.
4.    Asistir a: Es esencial que asistas a la reunión mañana.
5.    Cumplir con: Los niveles de higiene en el restaurante no cumplían con las regulaciones del gobierno.
6.    Cuerda, soga: Cuando éramos niños hicimos un columpio con cuerda y un trozo grande de madera.
7.    Sensato: Sé sensato y coge un paraguas cuando estés en Londres en Diciembre.
8.    Pala: Nunca llevo a los niños a la playa sin su cubo y pala.
9.    Gafas: Mi abuelo no podía ver nada sin sus gafas.

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