12 words that are the same in Portuguese and Spanish, but with meanings so different that they can generate a good laugh

Many people may think that, for us Brazilians, it is easier to learn Spanish, since it is a language very similar to Portuguese. And hey, they’re not wrong! Indeed, because the two languages ​​have similar structures and words, Portuguese speakers have an easier time with Spanish.

In fact, the languages ​​are so similar that we can even find some identical words. The confusion starts when we realize that not always the same words have the same meaning. Then the study becomes fun and we have a good time imagining the confusion that can happen.

That’s why the awesome.club gathered some words that are the same in Spanish and Portuguese, but that can generate mucha confusion, that is, a beautiful confusion among the most unsuspecting speakers.

Imagine you getting a quote for accommodation in Spain. The secretary states that there is no “close”. You are afflicted trying to make him understand that you don’t want to close anything yet, you are just researching prices, but he insists that there is no “close”. You give up, because you didn’t know that “close” in Spanish is a date!

You’re leisurely walking through the fair when you pass a vendor yelling at the top of his lungs, “Scream, Scream, Scream.” How odd, everyone can tell he’s yelling, no need to tell. Until you remember that “berro” is how the Spaniards call watercress.

At night, you turn on the television and watch the journalist claim that the “presumto autor del crimen” has been arrested. You imagine that only in Spain for the police to imagine that a sausage could commit a crime. Turns out, in Spanish, “ham” means supposed. In other words, the alleged perpetrator of the crime was arrested.

You’ve just made a friend in Spain and now you’re getting to know each other better. You find it very strange because the person claims to like “leche en polvo” a lot, and in Brazil you don’t eat octopus with milk. Normal confusion, as “octopus” means powder in Spanish.

Your new Spanish friend invites you to the theater to see a performance of “cueca”. You hesitate, because you’d prefer a show that didn’t involve nudity, after all, you’ve just met. His friend explains that “cueca” is a typical dance from Chile.

To make up for the confusion, his friend offers to buy him a pastry. You remember the delicious pastries at fairs in Brazil and accept, wanting to know how they are in Spain, and already salivating. What a disappointment to see your friend arriving with a piece of cake in hand!

While you are eating your cake, your friend notices your disappointed expression. To try to cheer you up, he starts saying that that pastry is rich! You wonder if that cake was too expensive. Soon your friend explains that “rich” means that it is very good.

To accompany his rich pastel, his friend asks the waiter to bring a vase. You imagine that your friend is trying to please you with a flower, but really, he just wants something to drink. In Spanish, “vaso” is the same as glass.

Your friend is telling you that he once had to have surgery on his palate. You asked if the reason for the surgery was because he couldn’t taste things. He didn’t understand your question until you realized that he was talking about the roof of the mouth, not the ability to taste.

While talking, you notice a girl passing by wearing a very beautiful dress. Her new friend comments that she likes it, but if it were wider she would be much more elegant. You disagree, saying that the dress must be made to the right size. In fact, in Spanish “largo” means long or long.

Speaking of clothes, your friend mentions that he needs to buy a new tie to use for his workshop job. You say that in Brazil, people who work in workshops don’t wear ties. He is surprised, but then you realize the confusion: “oficina” means office in Spanish.

Laughing at the confusion, his friend explains that, in addition to the tie, he must wear a bag at work. This time you don’t jump to conclusions and ask what that means. His friend explains that, in Spanish, “saco” means jacket.

When learning a new language, we can always have fun, especially imagining these funny situations that false cognates can provide. In this article, we show that even in Portugal this confusion can happen. Do you know any other words like that?