Vocabulary: False Friends

What’s a false friend?
Words in two languages that look or sound similar, but are different in meaning. An example is “embarrassed” (avergonzado) and “embarazada” (pregnant),
sensible – sensitive
librería – bookshop false friends
propaganda – advertising (propaganda in English is biased information to promote certain ideas)
beneficio – profit
blando – soft (soso – bland)
reclamar – to complain
recuperar – to reclaim
carrera – race, degree course (NOT a career)
actual – current, present, contemporary – The current (or present) economic situation is a disaster. – La situación económica actual es desastrosa.
(actual in English means real – “This film is based on actual events”)

Vocabulary Review – Vegetables – Verduras

Ajo – Garlic
Alcachofa – Artichoke
Apio – Celery
Batata / Moniato – Sweet potato
Berenjena – Aubergine / Eggplant
Berro – Cress, Watercress
Brécol – Broccoli
Calabacín – Courgette (UK), zucchini (US)
Calabaza – Pumpkin
Cebolla – Onion
Cebolleta – Chive
Col, repollo – Cabbage
Coles de Bruselas – Brussel sprouts
Coliflor – Cauliflower
Endivia – Endive
Escarola – Curly endive ; Chicory
Espárrago – Asparagus
Espinacas – Spinach

      

Vocabulary:

Abogado/a – Lawyer (be careful of the pronunciation. Don’t confuse it with liar.)
Granjero/a (agricultor/a) – Farmer
Arqueólogo/a – Archaeologist
Arquitecto/a – Architect
Basurero/a – Dustman (U.K.) / Garbage collector (U.S.A.)., Also ‘refuse collector’ and ‘binman’.
Biólogo – Biologist
Cajera/0 – Cashier
Camionero/a – Lorry driver (U.K.) / Truck driver (U.S.A.)
Carnicero/a – Butcher
Cirujano/a – Surgeon
Electricista – Electrician
Enfermero/a – Nurse
      

Common mistakes made by Spanish speakers:

I like you – tú me gustas
cocky, big-headed – arrogante, creído, engreído.
‘tener’ is a problem, isn’t it? – it doesn’t necessarily translate to ‘I have’
tengo calor – I’m hot
tengo sed – I’m thirsty (pronunciation – “thirstee”)
¡Ten cuidado! – Be careful! (Take care – Cuídate)
tienes suerte – you’re lucky
tengo frío – I’m cold
tengo prisa – I’m in a hurry
tengo miedo de/a – I’m afraid of… What are you afraid of?
tienes razón – you’re right (the 3 most useful words in any marriage!) Yes dear, you’re right!
I’m bored / I’m boring
The film is boring – I am bored (by the film) – ‘ed’ adjectives are passive. ‘ing’ adjectives are active.