False cognates are Portuguese words that look like words in another language but have different meanings. These pairs can cause confusion because they seem familiar. Recognizing false cognates depends on the sense in the sentence. Learning the main pairs reduces misunderstandings.

In Portuguese, pasta normally means a folder for documents or a cream, and not a type of pasta. To refer to the food, the most common term is massa. The context of the sentence indicates whether we are talking about paper or about food.

Realize in Portuguese usually means to execute or complete an action, and not to perceive or understand something suddenly. For the sense of perceiving, you use perceber or dar-se conta. The correct usage depends on the intent of the sentence.

Prestar in Portuguese means to provide or present something, such as a service or an exam, and not to borrow money. To borrow money temporarily, one uses emprestar. The noun related to services is prestación.

Assistir can mean to watch a movie or event, and in some formal contexts it can mean to provide assistance. The simple sense of being present is not the main usage in modern Portuguese. The direct object without a preposition occurs with the sense of seeing, especially in Brazilian Portuguese.

Withstand in Portuguese means to endure or tolerate something difficult, and not to give emotional support. For emotional or practical support, the common verb is apoiar. The noun suporte also usually indicates technical support, not tolerance.

Rapariga in Portuguese from Portugal means girl or young woman, but in many regions of Brazil it can have a negative connotation. In Brazil, the neutral and common terms are menina or moça. The appropriate choice avoids unwanted interpretations.

Oficina in Portuguese is typically a place where you repair or manufacture something, or a hands-on workshop, and not an office. For an administrative work environment, the correct term is escritório. The professional context determines the right word.

Pretender in Portuguese means to have the intention to do something, and not to pretend. For the sense of pretending, the correct verb is fingir. Mixing these verbs completely changes the meaning of the sentence.

Currently in Portuguese means at the present moment, and not really or actually. To express the idea of truth, use na verdade or de fato. The precise usage avoids temporal ambiguity.

Enrolar can literally mean to roll something up, but it is also used to indicate that someone is taking time or avoiding getting to the point. It does not mean enrolling in an institution. To enroll in courses, the verbs are inscrever-se or matricular-se.