False Friends
False friends are words in two languages that look or sound similar but differ significantly in meaning. They can trick learners into making embarrassing or confusing mistakes. This guide highlights common false friends so you can spot them and use each word correctly.
Actual
Actual in English means real or current, while actual in Spanish means current or up-to-date. Use actual for something presently relevant rather than simply real.
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Assist
Assist in English means to help, whereas asistir in Spanish typically means to attend an event or place. Don’t use assist to mean attending; use it for helping someone.
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Attend
Attend in English means to be present at an event; it does not mean to take care of. Spanish atender means to attend to someone’s needs, so don’t translate atender as attend.
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Library
Library is a place where you borrow books, while Spanish librería is a bookstore. Ask for a library to find a public collection, not a place that sells books.
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Eventually
Eventually in English means in the end or after some time, not possibly. Spanish eventualmente often means possibly or by chance, so don’t confuse them when talking about outcomes.
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Sensible
Sensibe in English means practical or reasonable, while Spanish sensible means sensitive or easily hurt. Use sensible for thoughtfulness and sensitive for emotional reactions.
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Support
Support in English can mean to help or to hold up, but Spanish soportar usually means to endure or put up with something unpleasant. Don’t translate soportar as support when you mean tolerar.
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Demand
Demand in English is a forceful request or requirement, whereas Spanish demandar can mean to sue. For asking strongly, use demand; for legal action, use to sue.
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Summary
False friends catch learners by exploiting similar forms with different meanings. Pay attention to each word’s true sense in context and practice substituting them correctly. When in doubt, consult a dictionary or ask for examples to avoid slip-ups.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025