18 European Portuguese False Cognates You Should Know
We all know the signs of a false friend. They deceive and hurt us, drain our energy, and make us feel bad about ourselves. But did you know the same applies to some words?
Of course, the words themselves won’t hurt your feelings. But these false friends, also called false cognates, generate and worsen uncomfortable or frustrating situations. They leave you confused and discouraged while learning a new language.
But what are language false friends? Which are the most common between English and European Portuguese? And how can you use them to avoid embarrassing situations?
In this article, you’ll explore the difference between a true and a false cognate and how it affects your communication. Plus, you’ll explore 18 examples of false cognates between English and Portuguese from Portugal. Let’s get started!
True Cognates Vs. False Cognates
Cognates – Words With The Same Meaning
During your language-learning process, you will first discover cognates. This expression refers to two words that establish a bridge between two languages. They are etymologically related, with the same meaning, the same origin, form, and similar sound.
Uncovering true cognates allows you to guess new words with a common root in different languages from around the world. For example, you can learn 500 Portuguese cognates, words with similar meanings in the English language, in our video: 500 Common Words in 3 minutes!
False Cognate – Words With a Different Meaning
False cognates have similar pronunciations in different languages and appear etymologically related. They have an identical written form but a different meaning.
An example of a false cognate is “sopa,”
Now you understand why it’s called a false friend. When you encounter a false cognate, you become confused and unable to express yourself while talking to others in Portuguese from Portugal.
But knowing these words and their meanings will help you gain confidence to continue exploring the language. Find other examples in our video: 50 False Friends – Portuguese/English.
Next, discover 18 European Portuguese false friend examples you’ll undoubtedly cross paths with.
18 European Portuguese to English False Friends
These are some of the most common Portuguese-to-English false cognates. You’ll not only encounter them from the start of your language-learning process but also use them time and time again.
Our European Portuguese course approaches these and more false cognates. The Journey is an engaging and fun learning path that will help you speak confidently regardless of the situation.
Atender
The Portuguese verb “atender” seems similar to “attend.” But “attend,” in English, denotes being present (“estar presente”
Balcão
“Balcão” is a word you might relate to “balcony.” But it is a false cognate, referring instead to “counter.” If you want to say “balcony,” use “varanda.”
Bife
Despite having the same pronunciation, “beef” and “bife” have different meanings. In Portuguese, “bife” is a steak regardless of the type of protein. You can say “bife de frango”
Compreensivo
Portuguese people use the adjective “compreensivo/a”
Constipação
This false cognate example shows how changes between Portuguese and other languages can create awkward situations. Don’t conclude that Portuguese people struggle openly with blocked bowel issues. The meaning of “Constipação” is “(having) a cold.” That is why people might casually ask if you are “constipado/a”
Costume
“Costume” is a false cognate example. It refers to “habit” or “custom.” The Portuguese translation of “costume” is “fato.”
Data
“Data” is a false cognate that signifies “date,” as in: “What date is today?” (“Qual é a data de hoje?”
Esquisito
If you want to say something is exquisite while in Portugal, don’t say it is “esquisito.” Instead, you can use “requintado”
Êxito
This Portuguese word appears and sounds similar to “exit.” But “êxito” in European Portuguese means “success,” and “ter êxito”
Exposição
Despite its closeness to the English word “exposition,” “exposição” means “exhibit” or “exhibition” in Portuguese. Every museum or art gallery you visit will likely have indications for the current displays using the word “exposição.”
Fábrica
Here is another false cognate example. You might associate the Portuguese word “fábrica” with a similar English one, “fabric.” But these words are not etymologically related, as they don’t come from the same language. “Fábrica” is “factory,” while “fabric” translates to “tecido.”
Lanche
Besides being related to food, the English “lunch” and the European Portuguese “lanche” have different meanings. “Lanche” is a snack you traditionally have mid-afternoon, while “lunch” translates to “almoço.”
Livraria
This example sounds related to the word “library” but is another false cognate. You will find libraries (“bibliotecas”
Longe
“Longe” is the Portuguese expression for “far way.” That’s right! Remember the Far Far Away Kingdom from Shrek? The Portuguese call it “Reino de Bué Bué Longe.”
Quick note: “Reino”
Parentes
Despite their similar form, “parentes” doesn’t translate to “parents.” Instead, it stands for “relatives.” You can say: “Tenho parentes em Portugal”
Preservativo
If you love healthy food, this false cognate example might trip you up. “Preservativo” in European Portuguese doesn’t refer to food-preserving ingredients. Instead, this word refers to “condom.”
The correct Portuguese word to use would be “conservantes.”
Puxe
“Puxe” sounds just like “push” in English, but its meaning is the opposite. In Portuguese, “puxe” is “to pull.” You will often face entries with indicative signals on how to open them.
Thus, this example is a common mistake that leaves you pretty embarrassed after banging your face on a glass door. Make sure to push only if you see the words “empurrar”
Taxa
As a final example of words that appear etymologically related, we have the “taxa.” Unlike the word “tax,” which stands for “imposto”
Wrap-up on English to European Portuguese False Cognates
In this post, you’ve discovered the difference between cognates and false cognates. You also examined 18 Portuguese words that are not etymologically related, despite their similarities to some English terms. They don’t come from the same language and bear different meanings.
Did you know about these European Portuguese false cognates? Which of them have you crossed paths with before?
Download a PDF list of 50 European Portuguese False Friends and add it to your English to Portuguese Vocabulary Notebook. It will help to avoid misunderstandings and build up your knowledge of both languages.
Continue Learning Portuguese From Portugal
Learning about false cognates in English and European Portuguese and their meanings is just one part of the process. If your goal is reaching fluency, there is much more to learn. And we are happy to help!
At Portuguese With Carla, we offer a complete interactive language course called, The Journey. Through it, you will discover the Portuguese language and culture while having fun.
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