Spanish Words That Look Like English Words

Spanish Words That Look Like English Words

1. Be mindful of pronunciation differences. 2. Know the correct stress placement. 3. Use the correct accent marks. 4. Be aware of false cognates. 5. Practice, practice, practice.

How to Say Spanish Words That Look Like English Words in Spanish

Introduction Learning a new language can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and Spanish is no exception. While Spanish and English share some similarities in vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar, there are also many differences to navigate. One aspect that can be confusing is when Spanish words look like English words, but are pronounced differently. In this article, we will explore some common examples and provide a guide on how to correctly say these Spanish words.

False Cognates False cognates, also known as false friends, are words in different languages that look or sound similar, but have different meanings. Here are a few examples of false cognates between Spanish and English:

Word: Real In English, the word “real” refers to something genuine or authentic. However, in Spanish, “real” means “royal.” To pronounce it correctly, emphasize the “e” sound as in “reh-AHL.”

Word: Embarazada In English, “embarrassed” means feeling self-conscious or ashamed. However, in Spanish, “embarazada” refers to being pregnant. To say it correctly, pronounce it as “em-bah-rah-SAH-dah.”

Word: Carpeta In English, “carpenter” refers to a person who works with wood. In Spanish, “carpeta” means a folder or a file. To pronounce it correctly, say it as “car-PEH-tah.”

Word: Actual In English, “actual” means current or present. In Spanish, “actual” means “real” or “true.” To say it correctly, emphasize the “a” sound as in “ahk-TOO-ahl.”

Similar Pronunciation, Different Meaning There are also cases where Spanish words that resemble English words are pronounced similarly but have different meanings. Here are a few examples:

Word: Papa In English, “papa” refers to a potato. In Spanish, “papa” means “dad” or “father.” To pronounce it correctly, emphasize the “a” sound as in “PAH-pah.”

Word: Rosa In English, “rosa” refers to the color pink. In Spanish, “rosa” means “rose.” To say it correctly, pronounce it as “ROH-sah.”

Word: Mesa In English, “mesa” typically refers to a flat surface or a table-like structure. In Spanish, “mesa” simply means “table.” To pronounce it correctly, say it as “MEH-sah.”

Word: Foto In English, “photo” is an abbreviated form of “photograph.” In Spanish, “foto” is the shortened equivalent of the same word. To say it correctly, emphasize the “o” sound as in “FOH-toh.”

Conclusion While Spanish words that look like English words may seem familiar, it is important to remember that they have different meanings and pronunciations. By being aware of false cognates and learning the correct pronunciation, you can avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Practice these words and continue your language journey with confidence. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

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