False Friends: English-Portuguese Words You Must Know

When in Portugal, never do these three things:

• Try to push a door that says Puxe a porta para entrar (Pull the door to enter)
• Assume someone is speaking about their parents when they say Parentes (Relatives)
• Look for a balcony when you read Pagamento ao balcão (Payment at the counter)

Have you ever realized too late that a familiar-looking word in another language actually meant the opposite?

After all, some words in other languages are similar and share the same meaning as words in your native language. But how can you identify these terms? And how can you avoid making mistakes that might leave you frustrated or embarrassed?

In this post, you will explore the difference between similar cognates and false cognates. You will understand why those differences should matter to you and how to make the best of them. Finally, you will learn about 20 words that seem similar between European Portuguese and English.

First, start by exploring what this similarity really refers to.

Similar is Not The Same

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As you have probably realized by now, two words might seem to mean the same thing in different languages. But assuming that similar words automatically correspond is a common mistake. To avoid it, you will need to look into the context and practice real-life speaking often.

Start by exploring words that are similar and represent the same concepts. Then, learn about the more confusing terms that seem related, but are not.

What Are Cognates?

Cognates are common, especially between two languages that have common origins. These are terms that sound similar, have identical written forms, and the same etymological origin. This allows you to quickly understand and use them if you speak one of the languages and are learning the other.

There are many cognate words between Portuguese and English. As mentioned, they have the same meaning. So, you can easily pick up on the patterns that allow you to translate English words into Portuguese, and vice versa. Watch our video: 500 Common Words in 3 minutes!

What is a False Cognate?

As you might have assumed from the name, false cognates are terms that seem related but are not. They have a similar pronunciation and written form. However, since their etymological origins are not the same, they also have different meanings.

These terms often generate confusion and misunderstandings. They can leave you quite frustrated when trying to communicate. At the same time, there is no way to escape them, since they include everyday words you must learn.

Discover 20 examples of false cognates between English and European Portuguese.

20 False Friends Between English and Portuguese

These are some of the most common Portuguese-to-English false cognates. Include these new words in your Vocabulary Notebook to make them easier to memorize!

Actual – Atual (Current, present-day)

When the Portuguese describe something as Atual, they mean to say it is current or present-day. Actual, as used in English, would be Real in Portuguese. And Actually translates to Na verdade.

Alias – Aliás (In fact)

Alias in English means Also known as. In Portuguese, you would say Também conhecido como. The Portuguese expression Aliás corresponds to the English In fact.

Assume – Assumir (Hire)

Assume in English indicates to suppose something is true. The corresponding Portuguese verb is Supor. Conversely, Assumir in Portuguese actually means to take on or hire in English.

Collar – Colar (Necklace)

You might find a pretty Colar for sale in a Portuguese jewelry store. Instead of a shirt part, or neck ornament, which you would say Gola, Colar means necklace.

College – Colégio (Private school)

College in English refers to a university-level institution. In Portuguese, you would say universidade. Instead, the Portuguese word Colégio translates to Private school in English.

Conceit – Conceito (Concept)

Although these two words only differ by a letter, they have very different meanings. The English Conceit means excessive pride in oneself and translates to Vaidade in Portuguese. The term Conceito means Concept in English.

Educated – Educado (Well-mannered)

When you say someone is educated, you mean well-educated or having knowledge. But Educado describes someone polite and agreeable in Portuguese.

Grip – Gripe (Flu)

Do you know why your Portuguese friend will say he caught a Gripe? Because that is the Portuguese term for flu. The English verb grip, meaning To hold, translates to Agarrar.

Idiom – Idioma (Tongue)

Quantos idiomas falas? is not about how many idioms you know by heart. Instead, it refers to the number of languages you speak. Set expressions in Portuguese are referred to as Expressões idiomáticas, while Idioma means language or tongue.

Journal – Jornal (Newspaper)

In Portugal, a newspaper stand is called Banca de jornal. The term Journal, which means a diary or written record, translates to Diário. Jornal in Portuguese is the English newspaper.

Lace – Laço (Bow, Knot)

The English term Lace refers to a type of fabric with a delicate decorative pattern. The corresponding Portuguese name of said fabric is Renda. The word Laço actually refers to a bow or knot.

Legend – Legenda (Subtitles)

All foreign TV shows and movies in Portugal have Legendas, not because of the cast, but because they are subtitled. The English term Legend, referring to a story, myth, or distinguished person, translates to Lenda in Portuguese.

Notice – Notícia (News)

Notice in English refers to an announcement or warning. In Portuguese, you would say Aviso. Conversely, Notícia in Portuguese actually means News in English.

Novel – Novela (Soap opera)

If a local asks if you have seen the Novela, do not look for a book. Instead of a novel, a Novella is a soap opera. And you will discover that the Portuguese love their soap operas.

Office – Ofício (Line of work)

If someone asks what your Ofício is, they do not mean your workplace, but your line of work. The Portuguese term for Office is Escritório.

Realize – Realizar (To do, accomplish)

Realize in English means to become aware of something. The Portuguese verb for that would be Perceber. Contrarily, Realizar in Portuguese means to accomplish or carry out in English.

Resume – Resumo (Summarize)

Although they carry the same concept of summarizing, Resume and Resumo are not the same. A Resume in English is a CV, a summary of experience, which in Portuguese would be Currículo. The term Resumo refers instead to a general summary, regardless of the type of information.

Scholar – Escolar (Related to school)

When September comes, everything is Escolar in Portugal. This term means related to school in English. So, you will find Livros escolares (school books), horários escolares (school schedule), and even a calendário escolar (school calendar).

Sensible – Sensível (Sensitive person)

Ever heard someone being described as Sensível? In Portuguese, it is not always a compliment. Instead of describing a reasonable individual, like the English Sensible, it indicates a Sensitive person.

Pretend – Pretender (To intend, to plan)

Pretend in English conveys to act as if something is true, which, in Portuguese, would be Fingir. The term Pretender in Portuguese means to intend or plan in English.

Wrap-up on English to European Portuguese False Friends

The evolution of languages across the globe led to the development of words that are often similar, but not the same. These terms might appear to be the direct translation of each other. But their meaning is different, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

Have you ever seen your Portuguese friends snacking at 4 PM, but calling it lunch (lanche)? Or have you ever called a Taxa from your local city hall (Fee) tax?

In this post, you’ve discovered the difference between cognates and false cognates. You also examined 20 Portuguese terms that sound similar but are not etymologically related.

Watch our video: 50 False Friends – Portuguese/English, and get our list of 50 European Portuguese False Friends!

Keep Learning!

Did you get curious about these terms and want to discover more false cognates between English and Portuguese? Read our post: 18 European Portuguese False Cognates You Should Know!

Learning about false cognates in English and European Portuguese and their meanings is just one part of the process. If your goal is to reach fluency, there is much more to learn. And we are happy to help!

Our European Portuguese course approaches these and more. The Journey is an engaging and fun learning path that will help you speak confidently regardless of the situation. Click the button below to discover more!