What Are False Cognates?

False cognates, also called false friends, are words in two different languages that look or sound alike, but don’t mean the same thing. They’re especially tricky for people learning a second language, because they seem familiar at first glance but trusting them blindly can lead to confusion or awkward situations.

In the case of English and Spanish, many words share Latin roots, so they appear to be direct translations of each other. But in reality, some of these words evolved separately and took on different meanings. This is where the trouble begins.

English speakers often come across Spanish words that look like common English ones, but if you use them the wrong way, you might say something strange or confusing without realizing it.

5 Common False Cognates in Mexican Spanish

1. Embarazada ≠ Embarrassed

At first glance, “embarazada” might seem like a fancy word for “embarrassed,” but it's not even close.

• In Spanish, embarazada means pregnant.

• In English, embarrassed means ashamed or uncomfortable.

❌ Imagine a learner saying: “Estoy muy embarazada por lo que dije.”
They think they’re saying: “I’m so embarrassed by what I said,”
But what they really said is: “I’m very pregnant because of what I said.” 😳

✅ Correct usage: Mi hermana está embarazada. Va a tener un bebé en octubre.
(“My sister is pregnant. She’s having a baby in October.”)

2. Ropa ≠ Rope

This one’s common because the words are so short and similar. But:

• Ropa in Spanish means clothing.

• Rope in English is a completely different item, una cuerda.

❌ You don’t want to say: “Pásame la ropa” when asking for rope. That would just get you a shirt.

✅ Correct usage: Tengo que lavar mi ropa hoy.
(“I have to wash my clothes today.”)

If you want a rope, ask for una cuerda or un lazo in Mexican Spanish.

3. Asistir ≠ Assist

These look like they should be the same and in French, they actually are! But in Spanish:

• Asistir means to attend (like a class, an event, or a meeting).

• Assist in English means to help, but in Spanish, that’s ayudar.

❌ Wrong sentence: Voy a asistir a mi mamá con la comida.
Sounds like: “I’m going to attend my mom with the food.”
Which makes no sense.

✅ Correct usage: Voy a asistir al concierto esta noche.
(“I’m going to attend the concert tonight.”)

If you want to say you’ll help someone: Voy a ayudar a mi mamá con la comida.

4. Actual ≠ Actual

This is one of the most sneaky false friends, because it’s spelled the same in both languages.

• In Spanish, actual means current or present-day.

• In English, actual means real or factual.

❌ Mistake: Mi jefe actual es muy exigente.
An English speaker might hear this and think: “My real boss is demanding.”
But it really means: “My current boss is demanding.”

✅ Correct usage: La situación actual del país es complicada.
(“The current situation in the country is complicated.”)

If you want to say “actual” in the English sense of “real,” use real or verdadero in Spanish.

5. Sensible ≠ Sensible

This one is sneaky because it’s spelled exactly the same.

• In Spanish, sensible means sensitive as in, emotionally reactive or physically delicate.

• In English, sensible means practical, rational, or reasonable.

❌ Mistake: Fue una decisión sensible.
You might think you said, “It was a sensible decision,” but you really said, “It was a sensitive decision.”

✅ Correct usage: Ella es muy sensible a las críticas.
(“She’s very sensitive to criticism.”)

If you want to say “sensible” in Spanish, the right word is sensato.

Why Should You Care About False Cognates?

If you're bilingual or learning a second language, false cognates can be difficult. They feel familiar and safe, until they get you into trouble.

Knowing some of the most common false friends can:

• Prevent confusing or silly mistakes.

• Improve your communication.

• Help you sound more natural and fluent.

They're also a great reminder that language isn’t just grammar and vocabulary, it’s also full of surprises and history.

To learn more about Na’atik’s English language program for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, visit our Impact Page. We are only able to provide this much needed program thanks to the support of generous donors and the funds raised from our award winning Maya and Spanish Immersion Program. If you would like to support our mission please consider donating today or take a look at our immersion programs and online class packages.