Many English words and Spanish words have Latin or Greek roots and the same meaning. These words are called cognates.

 

The Spanish language borrows many English words and, vice versa, English borrows many Spanish words. By knowing a few simple rules, you can learn Spanish fast by quickly expand your Spanish vocabulary.

 

So, a cognate is a word related to one in another language. They are also called transparent words because they have similar or identical forms and meaning in both languages. The pronunciation reflects the phonological system of each language.

 

In English they say “ocean” and in Spanish we say “océano.” English and Spanish speakers can easily make the connection between these cognates to learn and remember the name of this place.

In English, they say “house” but in Spanish we say “casa.” House and casa are not cognates, and the lack of connection means learners will find those words harder to use and remember.

We know that people need to use their new language to really learn it. Cognates make it possible for language learners as you to use your new words right away. By starting with the cognate words, a learner can build their vocabulary and gain the confidence to add more words in their new language.

Therefore, we can identify some general rules you can use to understand how English and Spanish cognates relate:

–<em>ous</em> in English becomes –<em>oso</em> in Spanish (e.g. famous = famoso)

 

–<em>ance</em> in English becomes –<em>ancia</em> in Spanish (e.g. importance = importancia)

 

–<em>ity</em> in English becomes –<em>idad</em> in Spanish (e.g. hability = habilidad)

 

1. Spanish cognates without spelling changes:

ENGLISH      SPANISH

actor   actor

hospital          hospital

idea    idea

 

2. Spanish cognates that change –ct to –cto:

ENGLISH      SPANISH

contact contacto

perfect perfecto

correct correcto

 

3. Spanish cognates that change –ic to –ico:

 

ENGLISH      SPANISH

comic cómico

dramatic         dramático

fantastic         fantástico

 

4. Spanish cognates that change –tion to –ción:

ENGLISH      SPANISH

construction   construcción

condition        condición

adaptation      adaptación

 

5. Spanish cognates that change –ary to –ario:

ENGLISH      SPANISH

salary salario

vocabulary     vocabulario

contrary         contrario

Taken from Learn by Speaking <a href="https://aprendehablando.com/use-cognates-to-learn-spanish/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://aprendehablando.com/use-cognates-to-learn-spanish/</a>;