“Actually” doesn’t mean “actualmente”! Avoid these common Spanish traps.

That awkward moment we’ve all experienced

Picture this: you’re in Mexico, feeling confident speaking Spanish, and you say:

“Estoy embarazada because of what I said in class.”

Everyone around you looks shocked — because you just said you’re pregnant, not embarrassed!

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every Spanish learner has fallen into the trap of false cognates — those sneaky words that look or sound similar in English and Spanish, but actually mean something completely different.

What are false cognates?

False cognates (or false friends) are words that appear to be twins in two languages but don’t share the same meaning.

For example, in English actually doesn’t mean actualmente, but in reality. And library isn’t librería — it’s biblioteca.

These tiny traps can cause misunderstandings or funny moments. But they’re also a great way to learn how both languages evolved and to understand Spanish on a deeper, more cultural level.

Imagine English and Spanish as two old friends who met centuries ago. They started borrowing words from each other — but like in every long friendship, a few messages got lost in translation!

Here are some of their funniest misunderstandings:

• 🧠 Actually ≠ Actualmente

  Actually means in reality, not currently. Example:

  “Actually, I don’t like coffee.” → “En realidad, no me gusta el café.”

  
  

• 😳 Embarrassed ≠ Embarazada

  Embarrassed means ashamed or self-conscious, not pregnant. Example:

  “She felt embarrassed when she fell.” → “Se sintió avergonzada cuando se cayó.”

  
  

• 📚 Library ≠ Librería

  Library means biblioteca (where you borrow books), not bookstore. Example:

  “I study at the library.” → “Estudio en la biblioteca.”

  
  

• 🤝 Assist ≠ Asistir

  Assist means to help, not to attend. Example:

  “He assisted me with my homework.” → “Me ayudó con la tarea.”

  
  

• 🧠 Sensible ≠ SensibleSensible in English means wise or reasonable, not sensitive. Example:

  “She’s a sensible person.” → “Es una persona sensata.”

  
  

Languages love to play tricks like this — and Spanish is full of these clever word traps that make learning it so much fun!

Learning through humor and culture

Mastering a language isn’t just about grammar — it’s about understanding how people think, speak, and connect through words. False cognates remind us that Spanish (like Mexican culture itself) is colorful, full of history, and rich in meaning.

So next time you find a word that “sounds the same," take a pause and smile: “Is this a real friend… or a false cognate?”

If you enjoy learning fun facts like these, listen to our teachers on Spotify, where we share weekly episodes full of cultural insights, idioms, and real-life Spanish you won’t find in textbooks.

And every week in our Conversation Clubs, you can talk with other learners, share experiences, and practice these expressions in a friendly, authentic, and Mexican setting.

Join the Thrive in Spanish community and learn Spanish the fun, cultural way.