The Trap of False Friends
Have you ever said a word that you were certain was correct, only to see a confused look on a native speaker's face?
Welcome to the world of "False Friends!"
These are words that look or sound almost identical to words in your own language, but they mean something completely different.
Mastering these traps is a vital step in moving from a beginner to an advanced learner.
Let’s look at some classic examples from English, Danish, and Portuguese!
Why Do False Friends Exist?
Languages often share roots, but over hundreds of years, the meanings of words can drift apart.
In some cases, a word might sound like an action in one language but be a noun in another.
Being aware of these differences will save you from many embarrassing situations!
Warning: Just because it looks like a word you know, doesn't mean it acts like one!
Common Traps to Avoid
Here is how these "tricky" words compare across our three languages:
| The Word | Language A Meaning | Language B Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Push / Puxar | English: To move something away. | Portuguese: To pull something toward you. |
| Fart | Danish: Speed. | English: ...well, you know! |
| Parent / Parente | English: Mother or Father. | Portuguese: Any relative (Aunt, Cousin). |
| Gymnasiet | Danish: High School. | English: A place to exercise (Gym). |
How to Defeat False Friends
- Study the Context: If yo
