Beware the False Friends: Tricky English-Spanish Cognates
Welcome to cognational’s guide to one of the most fascinating and potentially misleading aspects of the English and Spanish languages: false friends. These are words that look or sound similar in both languages but have completely different meanings. Understanding them is crucial for clear communication and avoiding embarrassing mistakes, especially for those learning either language or when branding internationally. While [cognational.com](http://cognational.com/) focuses on the helpful connections of perfect cognates, being aware of these deceptive similarities is equally important.
**What Exactly Are False Friends? – Explained by cognational.com
**Unlike the perfect cognates we explore throughout [cognational.com](http://cognational.com/), false friends (also known as false cognates or faux amis) are linguistic tricksters. They share a superficial resemblance in form but diverge significantly in their semantic content. Relying on their similarity can lead to misunderstandings and humorous (or sometimes problematic) errors. Recognizing these differences is a key aspect of bilingual proficiency.
**Why False Friends Can Be Tricky
**The existence of false friends stems from the separate evolution of the English and Spanish languages, even when they share Latin or Greek roots. Over time, these words have taken different paths in meaning, resulting in their deceptive similarity today. Awareness of these historical divergences can aid in language learning.
**Common and Surprising English-Spanish False Friends – A [cognational.com](http://cognational.com/) Collection
**At [cognational.com](http://cognational.com/), we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common and surprising false friends between English and Spanish to help you navigate these linguistic pitfalls:
**Embarazada / Embarrassed
**While «embarrassed» in English means feeling ashamed or awkward, «embarazada» in Spanish means pregnant. A classic example of a potentially awkward mistake!
**Exit / Éxito
**The English word «exit» refers to a way out, but «éxito» in Spanish means success. Clearly two very different concepts.
**Actual / Actual
**This one is tricky! While «actual» in English means real or existing, «actual» in Spanish can mean current or present. While there’s some overlap, they are not always interchangeable.
**Bigote / Bigot
**«Bigot» in English refers to a prejudiced person, while «bigote» in Spanish simply means mustache.
**Library / LibrerÃa
**An English «library» is a place to borrow books, but a «librerÃa» in Spanish is a bookstore (a place to buy books).
… (We can add more examples here)
**Tips for Avoiding False Friend Errors – Guidance from cognational.com
**To help you steer clear of false friend mishaps, [cognational.com](http://cognational.com/) recommends the following:
- Context is Key:** Always consider the context of the conversation or text.
- Don’t Assume:** Just because a word looks similar, don’t assume the meaning is the same.
- Learn Common False Friends:** Familiarize yourself with lists like the one we’re building here on cognational.com.
- Use Reliable Dictionaries:** When in doubt, always consult a good bilingual dictionary.
False Friends and Branding: A Word of Caution from cognational.com
**For businesses considering international branding, being aware of false friends is paramount. Choosing a name that has an unintended or negative meaning in the target language can lead to significant marketing blunders and damage your brand reputation. Always conduct thorough linguistic research, perhaps starting with the resources available at [cognational.com](http://cognational.com/)!