More false friends

Question

Another post about false friends. Hope it helps you!

False friends are words in two languages that look or sound similar but have different meanings. Here are some more examples of common mistakes:

1. False friend: argument Correct meaning: discusión Example: Mis padres tuvieron una discusión sobre lo que iban a hacer después de cenar. My parents had an argument about what they were going to do after dinner.

*Note: It can be translated as “argumento” when we are talking about a plot or reasoning. Example: No me gusta el argumento de esta película. I don´t like the plot of this film.

1. False friend: deception Correct meaning: engaño Example: Incluso cuando se descubrió su engaño, no dijo la verdad. Even when his deception was discovered, he didn´t tell the truth.

*Note: It could be translated as “decepción” but it´s more common to use the word “decepción” for “disappointment. Example: Es una gran decepción cuando estudias mucho pero suspendes un examen. It´s a big disappointment when you study a lot and you fail an exam.

1. False friend: genial Correct meaning: amable, simpático Example: Si ella fuera amable, tendría más amigos. If she were genial, she would have more friends.

*Note: In Spanish "genial" means "great, brilliant, fantastic"

1. False friend: conductor Correct meaning: revisor, director de orquesta Example: Tenemos un gran director de orquesta en nuestra escuela. We have a great conductor in our school.

*Note: It can be translated as “conductor” when we are talking about materials that conduct heat, etc. However "conductor" in Spanish usually means "driver". Example: La carne humana es un excelente conductor de energía. Human flesh is an excellent conductor of electricity.

To see another post about false friends: False friends I False friends II False friends III False friends IV False friends V False friends VI