As they are similar languages, it is common to find terms that are identical in form, but which mean completely different things
Words have a huge power: they connect, explain, inform… and sometimes confuse.
This happens a lot between Portuguese and Spanish.
As they are similar languages, it is common to find that they are identical in form, but they mean completely different things.
6 words that are identical in Portuguese and Spanish, but the meanings are different
1.
To start our word list in Portuguese, rat is linked to that small rodent that many prefer to keep far.
However, in Spanish, rat has nothing to do with animal. In fact, it means a short time.
So when someone says “wait a rat”, he is just asking you to wait a while, and not suggesting that a pet is around.
2. Pregnant
This is also one of the words that cause confusion. In Portuguese, “embarrassed” is embarrassed, perhaps awkward in a certain situation.
However, in Spanish, embarrassed means pregnant.
That is, if you say you are “very embarrassed”, you may end up implying that you are expecting a baby – not that you are shy.
3.
In Portuguese, we use the verb to take several contexts: take an object, take a bus, take someone on your lap, among others.
On the other hand, in Spanish, catch has a more negative meaning. It is used with the meaning of beating or assaulting.
So a phrase like “I’m going to get you” can sound threatening to a Spanish speaker.
4. Clothes
At first glance, the term ropa may seem one of the derogatory words, perhaps confused with “rag” or something.
However, in Spanish, Ropa simply means clothes without any negative connotation.
It is a common and neutral term, used to refer to any type of clothing.
5. OFFICE
Another linguistic trap. In Portuguese, a letter is a more formal term, usually related to an official document or function.
In Spanish, the word office is used to indicate a profession or manual craft.
Therefore, if someone says “my office es carpinero”, he is just talking about his work as a carpenter, not about bureaucracy.
6.
This is one of the funniest confusion of words. In Portuguese, ham is a very popular food, common in sandwiches and morning cafes.
However, in Spanish, ham has nothing to do with food.
He is the past participle of presuming, and can mean supposedly.
Thus, “El Presuct Culvable” is the supposed culprit, not someone made of pork.
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