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There are many words in Spanish that can be confusing for English speakers, especially when they look similar to English words but have a completely different meaning.

These words are known as “false friends,” and it’s important to be aware of them in order to avoid misunderstandings and awkward social situations.

To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of 12 common false friends that Spanish beginners often mix up. From Conocer vs Saber to Muy vs Mucho.

This list covers all the bases and will set you on the path to fluency in no time. So, let’s get started!

1. Conocer vs Saber (to know)

Conocer means “to be familiar with” or “to know someone”, while saber means “to know something”.

For example: “Conozco a mi vecina” means “I know my neighbor” while “Sé cocinar” means “I know how to cook.“

I wrote a whole blog post about Conocer vs Saber.

2. Embarazada Doesn’t Mean Embarrassed

Embarazada means “pregnant,” while avergonzada means “embarrassed.” Be careful not to confuse these two false friends!

Read my blog post about Embarazada Doesn’t Mean Embarrassed to get more information.

3. Éxito Doesn’t Mean Exit

Éxito means “success,” while salida means “exit.” Make sure to use the correct word in the right context.

I wrote a whole blog post about Éxito Doesn’t Mean Exit.

4. Suceso Doesn’t Mean Success

Éxito still means “success,” while suceso means “event” or “incident.” Don’t confuse these two words when talking about your career or life experiences.

Read my blog post about Suceso Doesn’t Mean Success to get more information.

5. Jugar vs Tocar (to play)

Jugar means “to play,” while tocar means “to touch” or “to play (a musical instrument).” Remember that jugar is used for leisure activities, while tocar is used more literally.

I wrote a whole blog post about Jugar vs Tocar.

6. Preguntar vs Pedir

Preguntar means “to ask,” while pedir means “to request.” Make sure to use the correct word when asking someone a question or making a request.

Read my blog post about Preguntar vs Pedir to get more information.

7. Soportar Doesn’t Mean Support

Soportar means “to endure” or “to put up with,” while apoyar means “to support.” Don’t confuse these two words when expressing your feelings or offering assistance to someone.

Read my blog post about Soportar Doesn’t Mean Support to get more information.

8. También vs Tampoco (also & neither)

También means “also,” while tampoco means “neither” or “not either.” Make sure to use the correct word when agreeing or disagreeing with someone.

I wrote a whole blog post about También vs Tampoco.

9. Tú vs Tu (you or your)

Tú is the singular informal pronoun for “you,” while tu is a possessive adjective meaning “your.” Make sure to use the correct form when talking to someone or indicating possession.

Read my blog post about Tú vs Tu to get more information.

10. Ves vs Vez

Ves is the second person singular form of “to see,” while vez is a noun meaning “time” or “occasion.” Make sure to use the correct form when talking about seeing something or experiencing something for the first time.

Read my blog post about Ves vs Vez to get more information.

11. Salir vs Dejar

Salir means “to leave” or “to go out,” while dejar means “to leave” or “to let.” Make sure to use the correct word when talking about leaving a place or allowing something to happen.

I wrote a whole blog post about Salir vs Dejar.

12. Muy vs Mucho

Muy is an adverb meaning “very,” while mucho is an adjective meaning “a lot.” Make sure to use the correct form when expressing degree or quantity.

Read my blog post about Muy vs Mucho to get more information.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and improve your Spanish skills. Practice and review regularly to continue improving and expanding your vocabulary.

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