Ch 45 · Lesson 8Spanish · Chapter 45 · Lesson 8 · Grammar primer
False friends, part 1: embarazada, actual, realizar
Words that look English but aren't: is pregnant (not embarrassed), actual is current, is carry out, is attend, is sensitive.
The short version
The false friend that causes real embarrassment
.
Why?Hide
means pregnant. The English speaker who explains they feel awkward with has just announced they are very pregnant. For embarrassed use , or say . It is the perfect false friend, because the mistake itself is mortifying.
.
Why?Hide
means to carry out or make happen: . To realise, in the sense of notice, is : . And is currently, not actually; for actually say .
A false friend is a Spanish word that looks like an English one and means something else. Learn each one with the word you were reaching for:
.- My boss is pregnant..- I'm embarrassed.
False friends at a glance
| Spanish | Means | You wanted |
|---|---|---|
| pregnant | embarrassed: |
| current | actual: |
| currently | actually: |
| to carry out | to realise: |
| to attend | to assist: |
| sensitive | sensible: |
constipado | having a cold | constipated: estreñido |
| success | exit: |
| bookshop | library: |
| folder | carpet: |
| factory | fabric: |
| clothes | rope: |
| soup | soap: |
| long | large: |
| to insert | to introduce someone: |
Embarazada: the one that causes real embarrassment
means pregnant. The learner who wants to say they feel awkward and says " " has announced a very advanced pregnancy:
.- My sister is pregnant..- I'm embarrassed..- I'm embarrassed (said by a man).
Me (literally, it gives me shame) is the everyday way to say it. agrees: a woman says .
Actual, realizar, asistir, sensible: the abstract traps
These four turn up in every conversation, so they do the most damage:
| False friend | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| actual | | the current government |
Madrid. | I currently live in Madrid. | |
. | We'll carry out a study. | |
. | I'll attend the conference. | |
. | He/she is very sensitive. |
For the English word you meant:
| English | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| actually | , . | Actually, I don't know. |
| to realise | . | I realised it was late. |
| to assist | ¿ ? | Can I help you? |
. | He/she is very . |
does mean help in formal or medical use ( , to tend an injured person), but everyday help is .
In standard Spanish does not mean notice. To realise is , with before a noun or a clause.
Going further: Everyday things: librería, carpeta, ropa, sopa and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
Practice
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