( False friends or false cognates are words that look the same in different languages, but which actually have different meanings.)
This is probably the most confusing and most common false cognate. The two words look so much alike that it is hard to believe they have completely different meanings. Because of this, care must be taken not to use the word incorrectly when switching between Portuguese and English. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the word is very common in both languages.
Examples:
Actual = Real (De Verdade, mesmo)
I can’t believe this is the actual house where Michael Jackson was born!
Eu não acredito que Michael Jackson nasceu nessa casa mesmo!
Atual = Current
My current address is Avenida Florida 13220.
Meu endereço atual esta Avenida Florida 13220.
Just as “actual” and “atual” are false friends, so are “actually” and “atualmente.”
Examples:
Actually = Really (Na Verdade)
I actually liked that movie!
Na verdade, eu gostei daquele filme!
Atualmente = Currently
Currently, I am writing a children’s book.
Atualmente, eu escrevo um livro para crianças.
Try to use these words in both languages and be sure to check out our other English Tips series on Expressions and Phrasal Verbs.
