What it's NOT
argument does NOT translate to argumento.
To say "argumento" in English, use plot.
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False cognate · False friend
argument
Does NOT mean argumento
It means a heated discussion or fight
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
argument means a heated discussion or fight.
Why it's confused
Spanish "argumento" is the plot of a movie or the reasoning of a text. English "argument" drifted toward a heated discussion or verbal fight in everyday use. In academic contexts, English does keep the sense of a line of reasoning.
How it's pronounced
argumentÁR-guiu-ment
Tap the button to hear the real pronunciation.
Examples of correct use
English
They had a big argument about money.
Spanish
Tuvieron una gran discusión por dinero.
English
Let's not start an argument.
Spanish
No empecemos una pelea.
A trick to remember it
Argument = a heated discussion/fight. A movie's plot = plot.
Mini quiz
"They had an argument" means...
Frequently asked questions
What does "argument" mean in English?
"Argument" means "a heated discussion or fight". It looks a lot like "argumento", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "argumento" in English?
To say "argumento" in English, use "plot". If you use "argument" instead, you would actually be saying "a heated discussion or fight".
Do "argument" and "argumento" mean the same thing?
Spanish "argumento" is the plot of a movie or the reasoning of a text. English "argument" drifted toward a heated discussion or verbal fight in everyday use. In academic contexts, English does keep the sense of a line of reasoning.
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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