Which is the correct spelling: cognado or cognato?

Question

We have seen both spellings in different dictionaries: COGNADO and COGNATO.

The English is COGNATE (with a T), but we are uncertain about the correct spelling in Spanish. We would also like to know the basis for choosing the correct spelling.

Or, is this an optional matter left up to the individual writer?

Many thanks,

Perplexed in Houston

Wow, I had been wondering the same thing... always thought it was cognato. Ah, well thanks for asking this :) - unraveled, Aug 31, 2009

Answer 1

It is not just about what's the right spelling, but what is the right pronunciation and the right word.

Cognado is the only correct one.

We would also like to know the basis for choosing the correct spelling.

The basis are simple: in Spanish, the word sounds like "cognado", so we write it as "cognado". We don't say "cognato", so we don't write it like that.

Or, is this an optional matter left up to the individual writer?

There is nothing optional about how we write words. Spanish is not like in English. If you spell it wrong, it will sound wrong when you read it. We read exactly the way words are written.

We have seen both spellings in different dictionaries: COGNADO and COGNATO.

You've probably seen that spelling in the Internet, written by people with a poor education, or someone who doesn't care to check a dictionary. Have you checked a dictionary?