False friends VIII

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

1. False friend: rendition

Correct meaning: interpretación (rendición = surrender)

Example: Su interpretación de la canción fue fantástica. Nos encantó.

Her rendition of the song was great. We loved it.

2. False friend: idiom

Correct meaning: modismo, dialecto (idioma = language)

Example: Los modismos nos dan una percepción interesante sobre otras culturas.

Idioms give us interesting insights into other cultures.

*Note: It could be translated as “idioma” but when we refer to a style of expression and not to a language.

Example: Pedro siempre utiliza un idioma familiar y simple para expresar sus ideas.

Peter always uses a familiar and simple idiom to convey his ideas.

3. False friend: to dice

Correct meaning: cortar en dados, en cubitos, trocear (decir = to say, to tell)

Example: Corta en dados la cebolla y mézclala con el ajo y la carne.

Dice the onion and mix it with the garlic and the meat.