False friends 5

False friends are words in two languages that look or sound similar but have different meanings. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

1. False friend: make one´s day

Correct meaning: alegrar el día (a alguien)

Example: Me alegraste el día .

You made my day.

2. False friend: introduce

Correct meaning: presentar

Example: Me gustaría presentarte a mi amigo Juan.

I would like to introduce you to my friend, Juan.

3. False friend: have nothing to do with

Correct meaning: no tener nada que ver con

Example: Esta reunión no tiene nada que ver con nuestro trabajo.

This meeting has nothing to do with our work.

4. False friend: make excuses

Correct meaning: poner excusas

Example: No pongas excusas y haz lo que te digo.

Don´t make excuses and do what I tell you.

5. False friend: remove

Correct meaning: quitar, eliminar

Example: No pude quitar la mancha de tu camisa azul.

I couldn´t remove the stain from your blue shirt.