False Friends

Learning English vocabulary can seem so easy: constitution means

“constitutición”, nation means “nación” and deception means “decepción”,
right?

Not quite. True, most words that end in -tion can be translated into Spanish by
changing the suffix to “-ción.” And the pattern holds true for the first two words
listed above (although “constitución” refers to how something is constituted
more often than does the English word, which usually refers to a political
document). But “una decepción” is a disappointment, not a deception.

Spanish and English have literally thousands of cognates, words that are
basically the same in both languages, having the same etymology and similar
meanings. But combinations such as “decepción” and deception are so-called
false cognates — known more precisely as false friends or “falsos amigos” —
word pairs that look like they might mean the same thing but don't. They can be
confusing, and if you make the mistake of using them in speech or writing you're
likely to be misunderstood.

Below is a list of some of the most common false friends — some of the ones
you're mostly likely to come across when reading or listening to English. Please
correct the sentences and be prepared to give explanations next time you
“assist” your English class.

Replace the mistakes (in CAPITALS) with a more appropriate

word/phrase.
1. Irune was born on the very same day as me. What a CASUALTY!
2. ARE YOU CONSTIPATED again? Try having a hot lemon drink!
3. At 6650km, the Nile is the LARGEST river in the world.
4. Dave, could you RESUME the situation in a few words, please?
5. Careful what you say to her - she's very SENSIBLE.
6. Could I have your DIRECTION, please?
7. Don't blame me! - It was the DIRECTION's decision.
8. Could you put your FIRM here, please?
9. Her ENTERPRISE specialises in silicon processing.
10.Did you hear the LAST NOTICE?
11.They ADVISED me that if I did it again, I'd regret it.
12.Do you want strawberry MARMALADE or raspberry?
13.Would you like a cheese and JAM sandwich?
14.Don't forget to buy the PRESERVATIVES at the chemist's.
15.Everyone likes Johnny because he's so SYMPATHETIC.
16.Don't forget to REMOVE the SOAP every five minutes.
17.Malcolm's desk is a mess - he never RETIRES anything.
18.Formigal is a popular ski STATION. The best STATION for skiing is winter.
19.Have you declared your RENT for this year yet?
20.Have you INTRODUCED all the information?
21.Have you PROVED the biscuits? – They taste delicious!
22.He's normally here, but I don't know where he is ACTUALLY.
23.I can't sleep because my neighbours are DISCUSSING again.
24.I did my CAREER at King’s College.
25.I don't get on very well with my COLLEGES
26.I hear Wendy’s EMBARRASSED. How exciting!
27.I was dressed totally inappropriately. It was a very VIOLENT situation.
28.I INTENDED to call you yesterday, but nobody answered.
29.What do you PRETEND to do?
30.I must buy a CARPET to keep all these papers in.
31.I have PARTICULAR English classes.
32.I think our PLANT is the quietest in this block of flats.
33.I used to wear glasses, but I've got used to LENTILS now.
34.If there's one person I can't SUPPORT, it's Alex!
35.If you haven't got a RECIPE, we can't give you a refund.
36.I will send Iberia a CARD of complaint.
37.Please do not distract the CONDUCTOR while the bus is in motion.
38.We had a FAMILIAR lunch on Saturday
39.Last year, I went with my FATHERS to see our PARENTS.
40.Make a note of that in your AGENDA.
41.I'm looking forward to my JUBILATION next year.
42.Mrs. Bookworm has just opened a second-hand LIBRARY.
43.My favourite PROFESSOR at school was Mrs. Tibbs.
44.She always wears very expensive ROPE.
45.Sometimes I wish I lived alone on an INHABITED island.
46.The EXIT of a company is related to the quality of its workers
47.The proposal sounds too radical to be REALISED.
48.The thief only got 6 months thanks to his AVOCADO.
49.We are proud of our COMPROMISE WITH the environment.
50.Write a short paragraph. Three or four PHRASES will be enough.