Learning Spanish as an English speaker can be both rewarding and challenging. While English and Spanish share the same alphabet and have a considerable overlap in vocabulary, grammar, and expressions, these similarities can also lead to common errors. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 mistakes English speakers make when learning Spanish and provide practical hacks to help you avoid them.
Mistake #5: False Friends
False friends, or bilingual homophones, are words that look or sound similar in both languages but have very different meanings. These can cause innocent misunderstandings or lead to awkward situations.
For example, one of the most infamous false friends between English and Spanish is:
- Embarrassed (meaning “ashamed”) vs. Embarazada (meaning “pregnant”).
Imagine the confusion if a man says “Yo estoy embarazado” instead of “Yo estoy avergonzado”!
Here are more examples of common false friends:
| English Word | Spanish Equivalent | Spanish Word | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Real | Actual | Current |
| Assist | Atender / Ayudar | Asistir | Attend |
| American | Estadounidense | Americano | Anyone from the Americas |
| Carpet | Alfombra | Carpeta | Folder |
| Exit | Salida | Éxito | Success |
| Molest | Abuso (sexual) | Molestar | To bother / annoy |
| Realize | Darse cuenta | Realizar | To achieve / make real |
How to Avoid False Friends
- Avoid translating word-for-word: Translation is often the root of these errors. Instead of relying on direct equivalences, immerse yourself in the language and try to understand how native speakers conceptualize their world.
- Learn vocabulary in context: When learning a new word, focus on its cultural and contextual usage. This will help you avoid literal translations that can lead to mistakes.
Mistake #4: Gender and the Definite Article
In Spanish, nouns have genders, and the definite article (el or la) must agree with the noun’s gender and number. This concept can feel strange to English speakers, as English does not assign genders to objects.
For example:
- La silla (the chair) is feminine, while el sillón (the armchair) is masculine.
To complicate matters, there are exceptions to the -o/−a rule:
- Masculine nouns ending in -a:
- El aroma (the smell)
- El día (the day)
- Feminine nouns ending in -o:
- La mano (the hand)
- La radio (the radio)
| Masculine with –a | Feminine with –o |
|---|---|
| El aroma (the smell) | La disco (the disco) |
| El agua (the water) | La moto (the motorcycle) |
How to Avoid Gender Mistakes
- Learn nouns with their article: When you add a new word to your vocabulary, memorize it alongside its article (el or la). For example, instead of just learning silla, practice la silla.
- Use study aids: Flashcards or language apps can help reinforce the connection between nouns and their genders.
Mistake #3: Ser vs. Estar
In English, the verb to be is used universally, but in Spanish, it is split into two forms: ser and estar. Each has specific uses, and mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes English speakers make.
Examples:
- Yo soy cubano (I am Cuban) vs. Yo estoy cubano (incorrect).
- Yo estoy triste (I am sad) vs. Yo soy triste (incorrect).
When to Use Ser:
- Permanent states (nationality, occupation, inherent traits).
- Example: Yo soy profesor (I am a teacher).
When to Use Estar:
- Temporary states (moods, locations).
- Example: Yo estoy cansado (I am tired).
How to Avoid Mistakes with Ser and Estar
- Think in terms of permanence: Ask yourself if the state or quality is permanent (ser) or temporary (estar).
- Practice contrasting sentences: Create pairs of sentences using both verbs, like Soy feliz (I am a happy person) vs. Estoy feliz (I feel happy right now).
Mistake #2: Ser vs. Tener
The confusion between ser and tener is another common verb-related error. In English, to be is used to express age, hunger, and thirst, but in Spanish, these are expressed with tener (to have).
Examples:
- I am hungry → Tengo hambre (I have hunger).
- I am 30 years old → Tengo 30 años (I have 30 years).
For Spanish speakers, these are not states of being but rather things you possess.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Practice expressions with tener: Create a list of common phrases that use tener (e.g., tener miedo = to be afraid).
- Read and listen to native speakers: Exposure to authentic Spanish helps reinforce these differences.
Mistake #1: Spelling
Spanish spelling is more straightforward than English because it is phonetic—you write it as you pronounce it. However, there are still tricky areas, such as:
- B vs. V: Both letters are pronounced almost identically in many Spanish-speaking regions.
- C/S/Z: Depending on the country, these may sound the same (e.g., in Latin America).
- G/J: These letters can confuse learners because of their different pronunciations depending on the vowels that follow.
Rules to Remember:
- Words ending in -ción are spelled with a -c:
- Educación, not educasión.
- Words ending in -z become -ces in the plural:
- Feliz → Felices.
Spanish also has specific capitalization rules that differ from English:
- Days of the week, months, and seasons are not capitalized:
- lunes (Monday), enero (January), verano (summer).
How to Improve Your Spelling
- Learn the rules step by step: Focus on one set of rules at a time, such as pluralization or capitalization.
- Practice writing: Keep a journal in Spanish to get comfortable with spelling conventions.
Final Thoughts: Learning Spanish Is About Embracing the Culture
Learning Spanish as an English speaker is a journey filled with challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By understanding and addressing these common mistakes, you can build a strong foundation and communicate more effectively.
Remember, language learning is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about immersing yourself in a new culture and embracing a new way of seeing the world. Mistakes are not setbacks but stepping stones to success. So, keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the process!