Learning Spanish cognates is really helpful, whether you’re just starting out or already know a bit of the language. These are words in Spanish and English that look alike and mean similar things, making it easier to pick up new vocabulary. By using cognates, you can quickly spot words that are similar in both languages. This helps you build your vocabulary faster and understand more, which makes learning Spanish more enjoyable and less of a struggle.
Cognates can also help you remember new words better. Think of them like shortcuts to boost your memory. But, keep an eye out for tricky ones that look alike but mean different things. These false friends can throw you off if you’re not careful.
Common Patterns of Spanish Cognates
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– Words ending in -al
In Spanish, words ending in -al are easy to recognize and often share meanings with English. These words can be nouns or adjectives, covering a wide range of topics. Learning them gives you quick vocabulary gains, as many follow similar spelling patterns across both languages.
| Spanish Word | English Meaning | IPA | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal | Animal | /a.niˈmal/ | ah-nee-MAHL |
| Capital | Capital | /ka.piˈtal/ | kah-pee-TAHL |
| Central | Central | /senˈtɾal/ | sen-TRAHL |
| Final | Final | /fiˈnal/ | fee-NAHL |
| General | General | /xe.neˈɾal/ | heh-neh-RAHL |
| Hospital | Hospital | /os.piˈtal/ | os-pee-TAHL |
| Lateral | Lateral | /la.teˈɾal/ | lah-teh-RAHL |
| Material | Material | /ma.teˈɾjal/ | mah-teh-REE-AHL |
| Natural | Natural | /na.tuˈɾal/ | nah-too-RAHL |
| Nacional | National | /na.sjoˈnal/ | nah-syo-NAHL |
| Social | Social | /soˈsjal/ | soh-SEE-AHL |
| Cultural | Cultural | /kul.tuˈɾal/ | kool-too-RAHL |
| Comercial | Commercial | /ko.meɾˈsjal/ | koh-mehr-SEE-AHL |
| Criminal | Criminal | /kɾi.miˈnal/ | kree-mee-NAHL |
| Actual | Current | /akˈtwal/ | ahk-TWAHL |
| Personal | Personal | /peɾ.soˈnal/ | pehr-so-NAHL |
| Legal | Legal | /leˈɣal/ | leh-GAHL |
| Local | Local | /loˈkal/ | loh-KAHL |
| Mortal | Mortal | /moɾˈtal/ | mohr-TAHL |
| Oficial | Official | /o.fiˈsjal/ | oh-fee-SEE-AHL |
| Profesional | Professional | /pɾo.fe.sjoˈnal/ | proh-feh-syo-NAHL |
| Radical | Radical | /raðiˈkal/ | rah-dee-KAHL |
| Total | Total | /toˈtal/ | toh-TAHL |
| Virtual | Virtual | /biɾˈtwal/ | beer-TWAHL |
| Visual | Visual | /biˈswa/ | vee-SWAHL |
| Mental | Mental | /menˈtal/ | men-TAHL |
| Moral | Moral | /moˈɾal/ | moh-RAHL |
| Especial | Special | /es.peˈsjal/ | es-peh-SEE-AHL |
| Principal | Principal/Main | /pɾin.siˈpal/ | preen-see-PAHL |
| Federal | Federal | /fe.deˈɾal/ | feh-deh-RAHL |
| Elemental | Elementary | /e.le.menˈtal/ | eh-leh-men-TAHL |
| Artificial | Artificial | /aɾ.ti.fiˈsjal/ | ahr-tee-fee-SEE-AHL |
| Temporal | Temporary | /tem.poˈɾal/ | tem-po-RAHL |
| Fundamental | Fundamental | /fun.daˈmen.tal/ | foon-dah-men-TAHL |
| Casual | Casual | /kaˈswal/ | kah-SWAHL |
| Astral | Astral | /asˈtɾal/ | ahs-TRAHL |
| Final | Final | /fiˈnal/ | fee-NAHL |
| Tropical | Tropical | /tɾo.piˈkal/ | troh-pee-KAHL |
| Formal | Formal | /foɾˈmal/ | for-MAHL |
| Horizontal | Horizontal | /o.ɾi.sonˈtal/ | oh-ree-son-TAHL |
| Vertical | Vertical | /beɾ.tiˈkal/ | vehr-tee-KAHL |
| Digital | Digital | /di.xiˈtal/ | dee-hee-TAHL |
| Original | Original | /o.ɾi.xiˈnal/ | oh-ree-hee-NAHL |
| Principal | Main/Principal | /pɾin.siˈpal/ | preen-see-PAHL |
| Festival | Festival | /fes.tiˈβal/ | fes-tee-VAHL |
| Ritual | Ritual | /riˈtwal/ | ree-TWAHL |
| Universal | Universal | /u.ni.βeɾˈsal/ | oo-nee-vehr-SAHL |
| Musical | Musical | /mu.siˈkal/ | moo-see-KAHL |
| Electoral | Electoral | /e.lek.toˈɾal/ | eh-lehk-toh-RAHL |
| Judicial | Judicial | /xuˈði.sjal/ | hoo-dee-SEE-AHL |
– Words ending in -ar
In Spanish, verbs often end in “-ar,” forming one of the language’s most common verb groups. These words cover a range of actions, making them essential for everyday conversations. Learning -ar verbs opens doors to mastering Spanish, as their patterns are easy to remember and apply.
| Spanish Verb | English Meaning | IPA Pronunciation | English Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hablar | To speak | /aˈβlar/ | ah-BLAR |
| Amar | To love | /aˈmar/ | ah-MAR |
| Bailar | To dance | /baiˈlar/ | bye-LAR |
| Cantar | To sing | /kanˈtar/ | kahn-TAR |
| Llegar | To arrive | /ʎeˈɣar/ | yeh-GAR |
| Caminar | To walk | /kamiˈnar/ | kah-mee-NAR |
| Tomar | To take | /toˈmar/ | toh-MAR |
| Comprar | To buy | /komˈprar/ | kohm-PRAR |
| Cocinar | To cook | /kosiˈnar/ | koh-see-NAR |
| Saltar | To jump | /salˈtar/ | sal-TAR |
| Buscar | To search | /busˈkar/ | boos-KAR |
| Llorar | To cry | /ʎoˈrar/ | yoh-RAR |
| Gritar | To shout | /ɡriˈtar/ | gree-TAR |
| Jugar | To play | /xuˈɣar/ | hoo-GAR |
| Entrar | To enter | /enˈtrar/ | en-TRAR |
| Dejar | To leave | /deˈxar/ | deh-HAR |
| Pintar | To paint | /pinˈtar/ | peen-TAR |
| Lavar | To wash | /laˈβar/ | lah-VAR |
| Enseñar | To teach | /enseˈɲar/ | en-seh-NYAR |
| Estudiar | To study | /esˈtuðjar/ | es-too-DYAR |
| Mirar | To look | /miˈrar/ | mee-RAR |
| Necesitar | To need | /neθesiˈtar/ | neh-seh-SEE-TAR |
| Usar | To use | /uˈsar/ | oo-SAR |
| Contar | To count | /konˈtar/ | kon-TAR |
| Guardar | To save | /ɡwarˈdar/ | gwaar-DAR |
| Cerrar | To close | /θeˈrar/ | seh-RAR |
| Desear | To wish | /deˈsear/ | deh-SEH-ar |
| Tocar | To touch | /toˈkar/ | toh-KAR |
| Pensar | To think | /penˈsar/ | pen-SAR |
| Limpiar | To clean | /limˈpjar/ | leem-PYAR |
| Preparar | To prepare | /prepaˈrar/ | preh-pah-RAR |
| Aceptar | To accept | /aθepˈtar/ | ah-sep-TAR |
| Arreglar | To fix | /areˈɣlar/ | ah-reh-GLAR |
| Cambiar | To change | /kamˈbjar/ | kam-BYAR |
| Soñar | To dream | /soˈɲar/ | soh-NYAR |
| Viajar | To travel | /bjaˈxar/ | byah-HAR |
| Trabajar | To work | /traˈβaxar/ | trah-bah-HAR |
| Llenar | To fill | /ʎeˈnar/ | yeh-NAR |
| Respirar | To breathe | /respiˈrar/ | res-pee-RAR |
| Crear | To create | /kreˈar/ | kray-AR |
| Acompañar | To accompany | /akompaˈɲar/ | ah-kom-pah-NYAR |
| Visitar | To visit | /bisiˈtar/ | vee-see-TAR |
| Terminar | To finish | /termiˈnar/ | ter-mee-NAR |
| Planear | To plan | /plaˈnear/ | plah-NEAR |
| Disfrutar | To enjoy | /disfɾuˈtar/ | dees-froo-TAR |
| Apagar | To turn off | /apaˈɣar/ | ah-pah-GAR |
| Comenzar | To begin | /komenˈθar/ | koh-men-THAR |
| Esperar | To wait | /espeˈrar/ | es-peh-RAR |
| Lanzar | To throw | /lanˈθar/ | lan-THAR |
| Saludar | To greet | /salˈuðar/ | sah-loo-DAR |
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– Words ending in -ble
In Spanish, words ending in “-ble” are often similar to English, making them easier to recognize. These words describe qualities, actions, or tendencies, and they add depth to language. Learning these words boosts vocabulary and strengthens your understanding of Spanish patterns.
| Spanish | English Meaning | IPA Transcription | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| amable | kind | /aˈma.βle/ | ah-MAH-bleh |
| posible | possible | /poˈsi.βle/ | poh-SEE-bleh |
| increíble | incredible | /in.kɾeˈi.βle/ | een-kreh-EE-bleh |
| sensible | sensitive | /senˈsi.βle/ | sen-SEE-bleh |
| notable | notable | /noˈta.βle/ | noh-TAH-bleh |
| terrible | terrible | /teˈri.βle/ | teh-REE-bleh |
| responsable | responsible | /res.ponsaˈβle/ | res-pon-SAH-bleh |
| flexible | flexible | /fleˈksi.βle/ | fleh-KSEE-bleh |
| visible | visible | /biˈsi.βle/ | bee-SEE-bleh |
| compatible | compatible | /kom.paˈti.βle/ | kom-pah-TEE-bleh |
| audible | audible | /awˈdi.βle/ | ow-DEE-bleh |
| elegible | eligible | /eleˈxi.βle/ | eh-leh-HEE-bleh |
| tangible | tangible | /tanˈxi.βle/ | tahn-HEE-bleh |
| inevitable | inevitable | /ineβiˈta.βle/ | ee-neh-vee-TAH-bleh |
| accesible | accessible | /ak.seˈsi.βle/ | ak-seh-SEE-bleh |
| insensible | insensitive | /inˈsen.si.βle/ | een-SEN-see-bleh |
| reversible | reversible | /reβeɾˈsi.βle/ | reh-ver-SEE-bleh |
| vulnerable | vulnerable | /βul.neˈɾa.βle/ | vuhl-neh-RAH-bleh |
| estable | stable | /esˈta.βle/ | es-TAH-bleh |
| inestable | unstable | /i.nesˈta.βle/ | ee-nes-TAH-bleh |
| probable | probable | /proˈβa.βle/ | proh-VAH-bleh |
| imposible | impossible | /im.poˈsi.βle/ | eem-poh-SEE-bleh |
| lamentable | regrettable | /la.menˈta.βle/ | lah-men-TAH-bleh |
| favorable | favorable | /fa.βoˈɾa.βle/ | fah-voh-RAH-bleh |
| palpable | palpable | /palˈpa.βle/ | pahl-PAH-bleh |
| notable | notable | /noˈta.βle/ | noh-TAH-bleh |
| risible | laughable | /riˈsi.βle/ | ree-SEE-bleh |
| irrefutable | irrefutable | /irefuˈta.βle/ | eer-eh-foo-TAH-bleh |
| deplorable | deplorable | /deploˈɾa.βle/ | deh-ploh-RAH-bleh |
| despreciable | despicable | /des.pɾeˈθja.βle/ | des-pre-SYAH-bleh |
| refutable | refutable | /reˈfu.ta.βle/ | reh-foo-TAH-bleh |
| inevitable | inevitable | /ineβiˈta.βle/ | ee-neh-vee-TAH-bleh |
| aceptable | acceptable | /aθepˈta.βle/ | ah-sep-TAH-bleh |
| deseable | desirable | /de.seˈa.βle/ | deh-seh-AH-bleh |
| confiable | reliable | /konˈfja.βle/ | kon-FYAH-bleh |
| honorable | honorable | /on.noˈɾa.βle/ | on-noh-RAH-bleh |
| durable | durable | /duˈɾa.βle/ | doo-RAH-bleh |
| negociable | negotiable | /neɣoˈθja.βle/ | neh-goh-SYAH-bleh |
| remediable | remediable | /remeˈðja.βle/ | reh-meh-DYAH-bleh |
| reprochable | reproachable | /reˈpɾo.tʃa.βle/ | reh-proh-CHAH-bleh |
| culpable | guilty | /kulˈpa.βle/ | kool-PAH-bleh |
| temible | fearsome | /teˈmi.βle/ | teh-MEE-bleh |
| prescindible | dispensable | /pɾes.sinˈdi.βle/ | pres-seen-DEE-bleh |
| invisible | invisible | /inβiˈsi.βle/ | een-bee-SEE-bleh |
| aplicable | applicable | /a.pliˈka.βle/ | ah-plee-KAH-bleh |
| excusable | excusable | /ek.skuˈsa.βle/ | eks-koo-SAH-bleh |
| recomendable | recommendable | /re.komenˈda.βle/ | reh-ko-men-DAH-bleh |
| mutable | mutable | /muˈta.βle/ | moo-TAH-bleh |
| rentable | profitable | /renˈta.βle/ | ren-TAH-bleh |
| irritable | irritable | /i.riˈta.βle/ | ee-ree-TAH-bleh |
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– Words ending in -cion
Spanish words ending in -ción often share meanings with English words ending in -tion. Learning these words can boost your vocabulary quickly. They’re useful across many topics, from everyday talk to formal writing. Let’s explore 50 common Spanish words ending in -ción and see how they connect to English.
| Spanish Word | English Meaning | IPA | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| acción | action | akˈsjon | ak-SYON |
| educación | education | eðukaˈθjon | eh-doo-ka-SYON |
| conversación | conversation | kombeɾsaˈθjon | kom-ber-sa-SYON |
| celebración | celebration | θeleβɾaˈθjon | the-le-vra-SYON |
| comunicación | communication | komunikaˈθjon | ko-moo-nee-ka-SYON |
| imaginación | imagination | imaʝinaˈθjon | ee-ma-hee-na-SYON |
| nación | nation | naˈθjon | na-SYON |
| profesión | profession | pɾofeˈθjon | pro-fe-SYON |
| solución | solution | soluˈθjon | so-loo-SYON |
| intención | intention | intenˈθjon | in-ten-SYON |
| relación | relation | relaˈθjon | re-la-SYON |
| operación | operation | opeɾaˈθjon | o-pe-ra-SYON |
| situación | situation | situaˈθjon | see-too-a-SYON |
| descripción | description | deksɾipˈθjon | deks-reep-SYON |
| identificación | identification | identifikaˈθjon | i-den-ti-fee-ka-SYON |
| organización | organization | oɾɣanisaˈθjon | or-ga-nee-sa-SYON |
| demostración | demonstration | demostɾaˈθjon | de-mos-tra-SYON |
| creación | creation | kɾe.aˈθjon | kray-a-SYON |
| presentación | presentation | pɾesentaˈθjon | pre-sen-ta-SYON |
| colaboración | collaboration | kolaboɾaˈθjon | ko-la-bo-ra-SYON |
| emoción | emotion | emoˈθjon | e-mo-SYON |
| publicación | publication | publikaˈθjon | poob-lee-ka-SYON |
| producción | production | pɾoduθˈθjon | pro-doo-th-SYON |
| decisión | decision | deθiˈθjon | de-thee-SYON |
| expansión | expansion | ekspanˈθjon | ex-pan-SYON |
| dedicación | dedication | deðikaˈθjon | de-di-ka-SYON |
| adaptación | adaptation | adaptaˈθjon | a-dap-ta-SYON |
| traducción | translation | tɾaðukˈθjon | tra-thook-SYON |
| transformación | transformation | tɾansfoɾmaˈθjon | trans-for-ma-SYON |
| manifestación | manifestation | manifestaˈθjon | ma-ni-fes-ta-SYON |
| selección | selection | seleksˈθjon | se-lek-SYON |
| construcción | construction | konstɾukˈθjon | kon-strook-SYON |
| investigación | research | inβestiɣaˈθjon | in-ves-ti-ga-SYON |
| innovación | innovation | inoβaˈθjon | in-no-va-SYON |
| estimación | estimation | estimaˈθjon | es-ti-ma-SYON |
| proyección | projection | pɾoʝekˈθjon | pro-yeck-SYON |
| conexión | connection | koneksˈθjon | ko-neks-SYON |
| participación | participation | paɾtisiˈθjon | par-tee-see-SYON |
| administración | administration | administɾaˈθjon | ad-mee-nees-tra-SYON |
| realización | realization | realisaˈθjon | ray-a-lee-sa-SYON |
| satisfacción | satisfaction | satisfaˈθjon | sa-tis-fa-SYON |
| protección | protection | pɾoteksˈθjon | pro-tek-SYON |
| apreciación | appreciation | apɾesiaˈθjon | a-pre-see-a-SYON |
| evaluación | evaluation | eβaluaˈθjon | e-val-oo-a-SYON |
| introducción | introduction | intɾoduθˈθjon | in-tro-doo-SYON |
| motivación | motivation | motivaˈθjon | mo-tee-va-SYON |
| visión | vision | βiˈθjon | vee-SYON |
– Words ending in -ente or -ente
In Spanish, many words end in “-ente” or “-ente,” adding a distinct touch to the language. These words often describe qualities, roles, or states, helping express ideas clearly. Learning these terms can enrich your vocabulary, making your Spanish more fluent and expressive.
| Spanish Word | English Meaning | IPA | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| paciente | patient | paˈθjente | paθjente |
| valiente | brave | baˈljente | baljente |
| excelente | excellent | ekseˈlente | ekselente |
| diferente | different | difeˈɾente | difeɾente |
| evidente | evident | eβiˈðente | eβiðente |
| conveniente | convenient | kombeˈnjente | kombenjente |
| urgente | urgent | uɾˈxente | uɾxente |
| consciente | conscious | konˈsjente | konsjente |
| competente | competent | kompeˈtente | kompetente |
| frecuente | frequent | fɾeˈkwente | fɾekwente |
| inteligente | intelligent | inte̞liˈxente | inte̞lixente |
| prudente | prudent | pɾuˈðente | pɾuðente |
| ardiente | burning | aɾˈðjente | aɾðjente |
| caliente | hot | kaˈljente | kaljente |
| coherente | coherent | koeˈɾente | koeɾente |
| deficiente | deficient | defiˈθjente | defiθjente |
| decente | decent | deˈθente | deθente |
| suficiente | sufficient | suˈfθjente | sufθjente |
| inocente | innocent | inoˈθjente | inoθjente |
| eficiente | efficient | efiˈθjente | efiθjente |
Common Examples of Spanish Cognates
– Perfect Cognates
Discover the fascinating world of Spanish cognates. These are words that look and mean the same in both English and Spanish, making them easy to recognize. Learning perfect cognates is a quick way to build your Spanish vocabulary and boost your confidence in the language.
| Spanish Word | English Word | IPA | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Actor | ˈæktər | AK-ter |
| Animal | Animal | ˈænɪml | AN-uh-muhl |
| Área | Area | ˈɛəriə | AIR-ee-uh |
| Arte | Art | ɑːrt | ART |
| Artificial | Artificial | ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl | ar-ti-FISH-uhl |
| Banano | Banana | bəˈnænə | buh-NA-nuh |
| Base | Base | beɪs | BASE |
| Capital | Capital | ˈkæpɪtl | CAP-i-tuhl |
| Chocolate | Chocolate | ˈtʃɒklət | CHAWK-lit |
| Circular | Circular | ˈsɜːrkjʊlər | SIR-kyuh-luhr |
| Color | Color | ˈkʌlər | KUH-luhr |
| Doctor | Doctor | ˈdɒktər | DOK-tur |
| Error | Error | ˈɛrər | ERR-ur |
| Familiar | Familiar | fəˈmɪljər | fuh-MIL-yuhr |
| Final | Final | ˈfaɪnl | FI-nuhl |
| Hospital | Hospital | ˈhɒspɪtl | HOS-pit-uhl |
| Idea | Idea | aɪˈdɪə | eye-DEE-uh |
| Importar | Import | ɪmˈpɔːrt | im-PORT |
| Instrumento | Instrument | ˈɪnstrəmənt | IN-struh-muhnt |
| Intento | Intent | ɪnˈtɛnt | in-TENT |
| Local | Local | ˈloʊkl | LOH-kul |
| Material | Material | məˈtɪriəl | muh-TEER-ee-uhl |
| Natural | Natural | ˈnætʃrəl | NAT-ruhl |
| Normal | Normal | ˈnɔːrml | NOR-muhl |
| Objeto | Object | ˈɒbdʒɪkt | OB-jekt |
| Opinión | Opinion | əˈpɪnjən | uh-PIN-yuhn |
| Original | Original | əˈrɪdʒɪnl | uh-RIJ-in-uhl |
| Personal | Personal | ˈpɜːrsənl | PUR-suh-nuhl |
| Principal | Principal | ˈprɪnsəpl | PRIN-suh-puhl |
| Radio | Radio | ˈreɪdiˌoʊ | RAY-dee-oh |
| Regular | Regular | ˈrɛɡjələr | REG-yuh-luhr |
| Restaurante | Restaurant | ˈrɛstrɒnt | RES-tront |
| Rosa | Rose | roʊz | ROHZ |
| Similar | Similar | ˈsɪmɪlər | SIM-uh-luhr |
| Simple | Simple | ˈsɪmpl | SIM-puhl |
| Social | Social | ˈsoʊʃl | SOH-shuhl |
| Especial | Special | ˈspɛʃl | SPEH-shuhl |
| Estándar | Standard | ˈstændərd | STAN-derd |
| Superior | Superior | suˈpɪriər | soo-PEER-ee-uhr |
| Total | Total | ˈtoʊtl | TOH-tuhl |
| Turista | Tourist | ˈtʊərɪst | TOO-uh-rist |
| Tractor | Tractor | ˈtræktər | TRAK-tur |
| Tradicional | Traditional | trəˈdɪʃənl | truh-DISH-uhn-l |
| Transparente | Transparent | trænsˈpɛrənt | trans-PAIR-uhnt |
| Uniforme | Uniform | ˈjunɪfɔrm | YOO-ni-form |
| Universal | Universal | ˌjunɪˈvɜrsəl | yoo-nee-VER-suhl |
| Urgente | Urgent | ˈɜrdʒənt | UR-juhnt |
| Usual | Usual | ˈjuːʒuəl | YOO-zhoo-uhl |
| Visual | Visual | ˈvɪʒuəl | VI-zhoo-uhl |
| Volcán | Volcano | vɒlˈkeɪnoʊ | vol-KAY-noh |
– Near-Perfect Cognates
Exploring Spanish near-perfect cognates can help you expand your vocabulary with ease. These words look almost identical to English, making them easier to understand. While they might have minor spelling changes, their meanings often align. Learning these can boost your confidence in grasping Spanish quickly.
| Spanish Word | English Word | IPA | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidental | Accidental | /ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl/ | ak-si-DEN-tuhl |
| Admirable | Admirable | /ˈædmərəbəl/ | AD-muh-ruh-buhl |
| Central | Central | /ˈsɛntrəl/ | SEN-truhl |
| Cereal | Cereal | /ˈsɪəriəl/ | SEER-ee-uhl |
| Circular | Circular | /ˈsɜːrkjʊlər/ | SUR-kyuh-luhr |
| Conductor | Conductor | /kənˈdʌktər/ | kuhn-DUK-tur |
| Cultural | Cultural | /ˈkʌltʃərəl/ | KUL-chuh-ruhl |
| Dental | Dental | /ˈdɛntl/ | DEN-tuhl |
| Director | Director | /dɪˈrɛktər/ | dih-REK-tur |
| Doctor | Doctor | /ˈdɒktər/ | DOK-tur |
| Editorial | Editorial | /ˌɛdɪˈtɔːriəl/ | eh-di-TOR-ee-uhl |
| Familiar | Familiar | /fəˈmɪljər/ | fuh-MIL-yur |
| Final | Final | /ˈfaɪnəl/ | FIE-nuhl |
| Hospital | Hospital | /ˈhɒspɪtl/ | HOS-pi-tl |
| Industrial | Industrial | /ɪnˈdʌstriəl/ | in-DUHS-tree-uhl |
| Inspector | Inspector | /ɪnˈspɛktər/ | in-SPEK-tur |
| Instrumental | Instrumental | /ˌɪnstrʊˈmɛntl/ | in-struh-MEN-tuhl |
| Literal | Literal | /ˈlɪtərəl/ | LIT-uh-ruhl |
| Material | Material | /məˈtɪəriəl/ | muh-TEER-ee-uhl |
| Mineral | Mineral | /ˈmɪnərəl/ | MIN-uh-ruhl |
| Moral | Moral | /ˈmɒrəl/ | MOR-uhl |
| Musical | Musical | /ˈmjuːzɪkl/ | MYOO-zi-kl |
| Natural | Natural | /ˈnætʃərəl/ | NAT-chuh-ruhl |
| Normal | Normal | /ˈnɔːrməl/ | NOR-muhl |
| Particular | Particular | /pəˈtɪkjʊlər/ | per-TIK-yuh-lur |
| Personal | Personal | /ˈpɜːrsənəl/ | PUR-suh-nuhl |
| Principal | Principal | /ˈprɪnsəpl/ | PRIN-suh-puhl |
| Radical | Radical | /ˈrædɪkl/ | RAD-i-kuhl |
| Total | Total | /ˈtəʊtl/ | TOH-tuhl |
| Visual | Visual | /ˈvɪʒuəl/ | VI-zhwuhl |
– False Cognates to Watch Out For
Learning Spanish can be tricky, especially with false cognates. These words look familiar but have different meanings, which can lead to funny or embarrassing mistakes. To help you avoid confusion, here’s a list of Spanish words that may seem similar to English words but mean something else entirely.
| Spanish | English Meaning | IPA Transcription | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Current | /akˈtwal/ | ahk-TWAHL |
| Asistir | To attend | /asiˈstiɾ/ | ah-sees-TEER |
| Embarazada | Pregnant | /embaɾaˈsaða/ | em-bah-rah-SAH-dah |
| Carpeta | Folder | /kaɾˈpeta/ | kahr-PEH-tah |
| Decepción | Disappointment | /deθepˈθjon/ | deh-sehp-SYOHN |
| Librería | Bookstore | /liβɾeˈɾia/ | lee-breh-REE-ah |
| Molestar | To bother | /molesˈtaɾ/ | moh-lehs-TAHR |
| Ropa | Clothes | /ˈropa/ | ROH-pah |
| Sopa | Soup | /ˈsopa/ | SOH-pah |
| Éxito | Success | /ˈeksito/ | EH-ksi-toh |
| Fábrica | Factory | /ˈfaβɾika/ | FAH-bree-kah |
| Grosería | Rude remark | /ɡɾoseˈɾia/ | groh-seh-REE-ah |
| Ignorar | To not know | /iɡnoˈɾaɾ/ | eeg-noh-RAHR |
| Largo | Long | /ˈlaɾɡo/ | LAHR-goh |
| Lectura | Reading | /lekˈtuɾa/ | lehk-TOO-rah |
| Mayor | Older or bigger | /maˈʝoɾ/ | mah-YOHR |
| Oficio | Occupation or trade | /oˈfisjo/ | oh-FEE-syo |
| Pariente | Relative | /paɾiˈente/ | pah-ree-EN-teh |
| Realizar | To achieve | /realiˈθaɾ/ | reh-ah-lee-SAHR |
| Recordar | To remember | /rekoɾˈðaɾ/ | reh-kor-DAHR |
| Salir | To leave | /saˈliɾ/ | sah-LEER |
| Sensible | Sensitive | /senˈsiβle/ | sehn-SEE-bleh |
| Suceso | Event | /suˈθeso/ | soo-SEH-soh |
| Sujeto | Subject (person) | /suˈxeto/ | soo-HEH-toh |
| Trampa | Trap | /ˈtɾampa/ | TRAHM-pah |
| Vaso | Glass (for drinking) | /ˈbaso/ | BAH-soh |
| Constipado | To have a cold | /konsˈtipaðo/ | kohn-stee-PAH-doh |
| Contestar | To answer | /konteˈstaɾ/ | kon-teh-STAHR |
| Introducir | To insert | /intɾoðuˈθiɾ/ | een-troh-doo-SEER |
| Advertencia | Warning | /aðβeɾˈtenθja/ | ahd-vehr-TEN-thyah |
What Are Spanish Cognates?
Definition of Cognates
Cognates are words in two different languages that look alike and mean the same thing. They often come from the same historical roots, which makes them easy to recognize and understand. For instance, the word “doctor” in English and Spanish both refer to someone in the medical profession. The word “actor” is another example; it means the same in both English and Spanish — someone who acts in plays or movies.
Knowing these cognates can really help you grasp a new language faster. It’s like having a shortcut to expand your vocabulary and make sense of conversations more easily. This connection provides a handy link between languages that share common backgrounds.
Importance of Cognates in Language Learning
Cognates are a big help when learning Spanish. They’re like shortcuts to a wider vocabulary because they look and sound like English words. This makes it easier to understand and use new words right away. When you recognize cognates, you can guess what new words mean more easily. This helps you learn faster and feel more confident.
Knowing cognates also helps you avoid confusion with false friends — those words that look alike but mean something different.
Types of Spanish Cognates
Perfect Cognates
A lot of Spanish words are exactly the same as in English. These are called perfect cognates—words that look and mean the same in both languages. For example, words like “animal,” “hospital,” and “doctor” are identical in both English and Spanish. They mean the same thing too.
This similarity makes learning easier and faster. It helps because learners can use the English they already know. Perfect cognates are really helpful for beginners. They give them easy words they can understand right from the start.
Near-Perfect Cognates
Near-perfect cognates are incredibly useful for English speakers learning Spanish. These words look and sound almost the same in both languages, though their spellings might differ slightly.
For example, the English word “celebration” is very similar to the Spanish “celebración,” and “university” is close to “universidad.” Knowing these helps you quickly build up your Spanish vocabulary using what you already know from English. These small spelling changes usually follow clear patterns, making it easier to learn and speak the language more fluently.
False Cognates (False Friends)
Navigating between Spanish and English, learners bump into words that look alike but mean different things. These false friends can confuse us and lead to mistakes. For example, “embarazada” in Spanish doesn’t mean “embarrassed.” It means “pregnant.”
Also, “actual” in Spanish isn’t “actual.” It means “current.” Knowing these differences really matters. When you get these right, you understand better and speak more smoothly. This avoids confusion and makes sure you’re understood when you talk or write.
Benefits of Learning Spanish Cognates
Learning Spanish cognates comes with big perks, like picking up new words fast. It makes it much easier for English speakers to get the hang of Spanish. When you know cognates, you don’t have to cram a bunch of new words into your head. It’s like having a shortcut that helps you understand more, read faster, and feel more confident when you speak or write in Spanish.
Also, knowing these similar words can help you get better at pronouncing Spanish because you can use what you know about English sounds. Really, it sets a solid base for you to dive deeper into the language and its culture. You get to connect more, not just with the language, but with the people and places that come with it.
Conclusion
In short, using Spanish cognates really expands your vocabulary and helps you understand the language better. By spotting and using these similar words, you can learn Spanish faster. It’s important to know the difference between perfect cognates, which are exactly the same in both languages, and near-perfect ones, which are almost the same. Watch out for false friends – they look similar but mean different things. Cognates are a key tool to close the gap between English and Spanish, making it easier to get fluent and have fun while learning.
