False Friends – Spanish vs English part 2

Redaccion

14 Abr, 2014
12:06 am

False friends are words in two languages that are similar in appearance and/or pronunciation but have different meanings.
And now, after learning False Friends in English you will find a selection of the most common false friends in Spanish and its respective meaning in English.

Always with the respective example:

Common Spanish Words

1.   Demandar (legal): Han sido demandados por negligencia y abuso.
2.   Precioso: ¡Este abrigo no sólo tapa contra el frío, también es precioso!
3.   Comprometer: La gente tiene que comprometerse a ayudar a los más necesitados.
4.   Convenir: No conviene ir a esta reunión.
5.   Recurrir:
a.   Recurriré esta sanción con todos los medios posibles.
b.   Hay que recurrir a otros métodos si queremos resultados.
6.   Sensible: Es una chica muy sensible.
7.   Atentado: Hubo un atentado violento contra el alcalde.
8.   Discutir: Estuvieron discutiendo toda la noche.
9.   Presumir: Le gusta presumir del dinero que tiene.
10. Suceso: Los sucesos de anoche fueron desafortunados.

Equivalent English Translations

1.   Sue: They have been sued for negligence and abuse.
2.   Gorgeous: Not only does this coat keep you warm but it is also gorgeous!
3.   Commit: People have to commit to helping those who are in need.
4.   It’s better not to: It’s better not to go to this meeting.
5.   (A) – Appeal.   (B) – Resort to
a.   I will appeal this sanction with all possible means.
b.   We have to resort to other methods if we want results.
6.   Sensitive: She’s a very sensitive girl.
7.   Attack: There was a violent attack against the mayor.
8.   Argue: They were arguing all night.
9.   To show off: He likes to show off the money he has.
10.   Incident: Last night’s incidents were unfortunate.