What it's NOT
assume does NOT translate to asumir (un cargo).
To say "asumir (un cargo)" in English, use to take on / to take charge.
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False cognate · False friend
assume
Does NOT mean asumir (un cargo)
It means to suppose / take for granted
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
assume means to suppose / take for granted.
Why it's confused
Spanish "asumir" can mean to take on a responsibility. English "assume" means to take something for granted without confirmation. It doesn't carry the sense of taking on responsibility.
How it's pronounced
assumea-SÚM
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Examples of correct use
English
I assume you're coming to dinner.
Spanish
Supongo que vienes a cenar.
English
Don't assume the worst.
Spanish
No supongas lo peor.
A trick to remember it
Assume = to suppose/take for granted. To take on a role (Spanish "asumir") = take on.
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Frequently asked questions
What does "assume" mean in English?
"Assume" means "to suppose / take for granted". It looks a lot like "asumir", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "asumir" in English?
To say "asumir" in English, use "to take on / to take charge". If you use "assume" instead, you would actually be saying "to suppose / take for granted".
Do "assume" and "asumir" mean the same thing?
Spanish "asumir" can mean to take on a responsibility. English "assume" means to take something for granted without confirmation. It doesn't carry the sense of taking on responsibility.
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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