False Cognates

COSTUME - COSTUMBRE I can’t wait to see Edward’s Halloween costume. He always comes up with such great ensembles. // There is a costume in Hawaii where you must eat the entire apple from the roasted pig’s mouth if you are late.

LIBRARY - LIBRERÍA Are you sure you got enough books at the library? You read about one per week. // Did you buy that pencil at the library downtown next to McDonald’s? They certainly have a great selection.

LARGE - LARGO That is a large elephant: it weighs 6,300 kilos! // Your hair is so large. It’s grown twelve centimeters since the last time I saw you.

ADVERTISEMENT - ADVERTENCIA The advertisement for the new iPhone was visually compelling, as always. // We can’t swim here. Didn’t you see the advertisement about the toxins?

REALIZE - REALIZAR Do you realize you almost missed the train by seconds? You really need to be more punctual. // One of the first goals I want to realize after I graduate is to work at a nonprofit organization.

PARENT - PARIENTE How many of your parents live in Concepción? // My parents are both working until 8 PM tonight.

INTRODUCE - INTRODUCIR You must introduce the card into that slot for it to work properly. // I will introduce you to Helen when she arrives. You two have so much in common!

PRETEND - PRETENDER I pretend to study medicine and find the cure to cancer. // My little brother loves pretending he is a dog.

CARPET - CARPETA The carpet with the relevant paperwork is on my desk. // This carpet smells terrible because my dog always sleeps on it.

ASSIST - ASISTIR I can’t assist you now since I am helping someone else. // I can’t assist the play tonight. I have a prior engagement.

RECORD - RECORDAR I don’t record where I left my phone. Have you seen it? // I didn’t record the game, unfortunately. Did you see what happened after Gómez pitched the first inning?

CHOKE - CHOCAR I heard you choked your car last weekend! What happened? // I choked on a piece of candy, and my sister had to do the Heimlich maneuver.

ATTEND - ATENDER I desperately want to attend the concert. I have never seen three of the artists live before. // Can you attend her now, please? She has been waiting for two hours.

FABRIC - FÁBRICA This fabric is so soft. I absolutely love velvet! // The fabric is on Washington Street next to the power plant.

POLICY - POLICÍA Unfortunately, they have a very strict policy in these cases. I doubt you will be able to return the item. // The policy were extremely patient, kind, and helpful when my great aunt needed assistance.

EXIT - ÉXITO The nearest exit is at the end of the hall to the left. // The greatest exit I’ve ever had in the game of love has been with you.

COMPROMISE - COMPROMISO The compromise of seven years was too much for him, so he decided to enroll in a shorter program. // Everyone was happy with the compromise, fortunately.

EMBARRASSED - EMBARAZADA My aunt is embarrassed. The baby is due in three weeks. // My friend was incredibly embarrassed after her bathing suit bottom slipped off in the pool.

SENSIBLE - SENSIBLE Diana is so sensible. She always weighs her options carefully before making a decision. // Diana is so sensible. She always cries when things don’t go her way.

HORN - HORNO I am furious with you! You left the horn on, and the cookies burned to a crisp. // Cattle, goats, and antelope have horns.

GLOVE - GLOBO Oh, no! Ian’s glove is floating away. Quick, try to catch it! // I found your missing glove in your winter coat pocket. Why didn’t you think to look there?

ROPE - ROPA The rope at Zara yesterday was very disappointing. Nothing fit me. // We need more rope for the climb next week. I don’t want us to be unprepared.

PROVE - PROBAR I don’t need to prove anything to you. I have accomplished enough on my own. // You really need to prove the sushi with this sauce. It is fabulous!

MAYOR - MAYOR My brother Bernardo is the mayor, my sister Sandra is the middle child, and I am the youngest sibling. // The mayor is up for reelection this year, which means he is extra attentive to anything that will boost his numbers.

SOAP - SOPA Go wash your hands with soap and water before we eat, please. // Do you want the soap with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth?