Exploring Spanish Cognates and False Friends

Which of the following English words is a common cognate with the Spanish word "animal"?

• Friend

• Animal

• Table

• House

Select the Spanish word that is a false cognate with the English word "embarrassed".

• Embarazada

• Emocionado

• Enfermo

• Encantado

Which of the following pairs are true cognates found in everyday vocabulary?

• "Doctor" (Spanish) and "Doctor" (English)

• "Ropa" (Spanish) and "Rope" (English)

• "Sopa" (Spanish) and "Soap" (English)

• "Asistir" (Spanish) and "Assist" (English)

Which English word is a cognate of the Spanish word "familia"?

• Family

• Famous

• Farm

• Fantasy

Which Spanish word is a cognate of the English word "music"?

• Música

• Museo

• Músculo

• Muestra

Which pair of words are NOT cognates?

• "Teléfono" (Spanish) and "Telephone" (English)

• "Biblioteca" (Spanish) and "Library" (English)

• "Perfecto" (Spanish) and "Perfect" (English)

• "Inteligente" (Spanish) and "Intelligent" (English)

Given the Spanish word "importante," which English word is its cognate?

• Important

• Import

• Impose

• Impossible

You see the Spanish word "éxito" on a sign. Using your understanding of false cognates, what is the best way to figure out its meaning in English?

• Assume it means "exit" because it looks similar

• Use a dictionary or context clues, knowing that "éxito" is a false cognate and actually means "success"

• Ignore the word

• Guess that it means "entrance"

If you encounter the Spanish word "sopa" on a menu, how would you use your knowledge of cognates and false cognates to decide what to order?

• Order it expecting soap

• Use context and knowledge that "sopa" is a false cognate with "soap" and actually means "soup"

• Avoid ordering it

• Assume it is a drink

You are writing a story in Spanish and want to use the word "delicioso." How can you be sure it is a cognate and means "delicious" in English?

• By checking a dictionary and recognizing the similar spelling and meaning

• By guessing based on appearance

• By asking a friend

• By using it without checking