A
B
C
D
E
100

Actual.

e.g. The actual problem is much more complex than we thought.

Meaning in English: Real, true, or current.

(False friend because "actual" in Spanish means "current" or "present.")

100

Assist.

e.g. The nurse will assist the doctor during surgery.

Meaning in English: To help or support.

(False friend because "asistir" in Spanish means "to attend.")

100

Library.

e.g. I found a great book at the library.

Meaning in English: A place where books are kept and lent out.

(False friend because "librería" in Spanish means "bookstore.")

100

Exit.

e.g. The exit is to the left.

Meaning in English: The way out of a place.

(False friend because "éxito" in Spanish means "success.")

100

Fabric.

e.g. The dress is made of a beautiful silk fabric.

Meaning in English: Material, typically textile.

(False friend because "fábrica" in Spanish means "factory.")

200

Embarassed. 

e.g. I was embarrassed when I made a mistake in front of everyone.

Meaning in English: Ashamed or feeling awkward.

(False friend because "embarazada" in Spanish means "pregnant.")

200

Sympathy.

e.g. She expressed her sympathy after hearing the bad news.

Meaning in English: Understanding and caring about someone's suffering.

(False friend because "simpatía" in Spanish means "liking" or "affection.")

200

Contest.

e.g. I won the art contest!

Meaning in English: A competition.

(False friend because "contestar" in Spanish means "to answer.")

200

Sensible

e.g. It's sensible to wear a jacket in cold weather.

Meaning in English: Having good judgment.

(False friend because "sensible" in Spanish means "sensitive.")

200

Constipated

e.g. I feel constipated after eating all that cheese.

Meaning in English: Having difficulty with bowel movements.

(False friend because "constipado" in Spanish means "having a cold.")


300

Eventually

e.g. Eventually, we all arrived at the same conclusion.

Meaning in English: In the end, after some time.

(False friend because "eventualmente" in Spanish means "possibly.")


300

Lecture.

e.g. The professor gave an interesting lecture on history.


Meaning in English: A formal talk on a subject.

(False friend because "lectura" in Spanish means "reading.")

300

Mayor. 

e.g. The mayor announced new policies for the city

Meaning in English: The elected leader of a city.

(False friend because "mayor" in Spanish means "older" or "greater.")

300

Preservative.

e.g. This food contains no preservatives.

Meaning in English: A substance used to preserve food.

(False friend because "preservativo" in Spanish means "condom.")

300

Recipe.

e.g. followed the recipe to make the cake.

Meaning in English: Instructions for preparing food.

(False friend because "receta" in Spanish also means "prescription.")

400

Realize.

e.g. I didn't realize how late it was!

Meaning in English: To become aware of something.

(False friend because "realizar" in Spanish means "to accomplish.")

400

Assist.

e.g. The assistant will assist with the project.

Meaning in English: To help or aid.

(False friend because "asistir" in Spanish means "to attend.")

400

Large.

e.g. I need a large cup of coffee this morning.

Meaning in English: Big in size.

(False friend because "largo" in Spanish means "long.")

400

Attend. 

e.g. I’ll attend the meeting this afternoon.

Meaning in English: To go to an event or meeting.

(False friend because "atender" in Spanish means "to look after" or "take care of.")

400

Terrific. 

e.g. The party was terrific, everyone had a great time!

Meaning in English: Very good or excellent.

(False friend because "terrífico" in Spanish means "terrifying" or "frightening.")