CONFUSING WORDS IN ENGLISHBy B.A Roberto Pesantes

English Language Consultant

Actually

Similar to Spanish ”actualmente”; however, ”actualmente” is better translated with currently. Actually means in reality.

English can be confusing. A lot of words are similar but with different meanings. It is almost impossible to avoid making mistakes in English, but if you can get your head around these explanations, you might be able to avoid making these ones.

FALSE COGNATES

There are several words in Spanish that are similar in English, but have a different meaning.

Embarrassed

 Is not the same as embarazada. A translation for embarrassed could be apenado.

Embarazada means pregnant.

Realize

Should not be confused with Spanish “realizar”.

Realize means that you become aware of something.

ApproveIs sometimes confused with ”aprobar”. E.g: Teacher did I approve the exam? – This is incorrect.

Did I pass the exam.

Approve means to agree to something.

LibraryLibrary – Bookstore

Library is place where you go to get and read some books. (“Biblioteca”)

Bookstore is the place where you go to buy some books.

Parents

Only refers to your father and mother.

“Parientes” is relatives in English.

Thank you

B.A Roberto Pesantes