Spanish false friends: words that trick you
You know these words — or you think you do. 49 Spanish words that look just like English but mean something else: embarazada isn't embarrassed, constipado isn't constipated. Each card gives the real meaning, an example, and the trap spelled out.
Who it's for
For English speakers learning Spanish who keep tripping over words that look familiar. If you've ever tried to say "I'm embarrassed" with "estoy embarazada" — which actually means "I'm pregnant" — this set is for you. It suits beginners through intermediate learners: you need a little Spanish, but every trap is explained in plain English.
What's inside
49 of the most common Spanish false friends — words that resemble an English word but mean something different. The list runs from the classics like embarazada, constipado, éxito and largo to the quieter traps like realizar, asistir, actual and eventual, plus number traps such as billón, which is an English trillion, not a billion. Every card carries:
- the real meaning in English,
- IPA pronunciation,
- a natural example sentence with its translation,
- a note that names the English word it's not, and the Spanish word you actually wanted.
How to study
Short, regular sessions beat one long cram. Give it 10–15 minutes a day and the app brings each word back just before you'd forget it, so the traps stick instead of biting you mid-conversation. The note is the heart of every card — that's where the false friend gets disarmed. Once these feel automatic, you'll stop second-guessing every cognate and learn to trust the ones that really are friends.
Questions and answers
How many words are in the set?
49 Spanish false friends, from famous ones like embarazada and constipado to subtler traps like realizar and eventual.
What level do I need?
Beginner to intermediate. You need a little Spanish, but every card explains the trap in English, so you won't get lost.
What is a false friend?
A word that looks or sounds like an English word but means something different — like sopa (soup, not soap) or carpeta (folder, not carpet).
Is it free?
Yes. Add it to your collection and start learning — no payment needed.