Language learning · Grades 9–12
Spanish false friends
Study guide for Grades 9 to 12: false friends, check the context and learn them in pairs; 2 worked examples and 3 practice questions. Spanish words that look like English words but mean something different.
One-page printable summary: Spanish false friends · Revision sheet.
Learn the idea
False friends
False friends (false cognates) look alike in two languages but have different meanings.
Check the context
If a translation seems odd in the sentence, look the word up instead of guessing.
Learn them in pairs
Write the Spanish word, its real meaning and the English look-alike it is not.
Worked examples
The Spanish word «librería» means:
«Librería» is a bookstore; a library is «biblioteca».
bookstore
The Spanish word «actual» means:
«Actual» means current; “actual” in English is «real» or «verdadero».
current (present-day)
Check your understanding
The Spanish word «éxito» means:
- excitement
- example
- exit
- success
The Spanish word «carpeta» means:
- carpenter
- card
- folder
- carpet
The Spanish word «ropa» means:
- clothes
- robe
- rope
- rock
Answers and marking notes
Answers and marking notes
- success
«Éxito» is success; an exit is «salida».
- folder
«Carpeta» is a folder; a carpet is «alfombra».
- clothes
«Ropa» is clothing; a rope is «cuerda».
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