What it's NOT
complexion does NOT translate to complexión.
To say "complexión" in English, use build (body).
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False cognate · False friend
complexion
Does NOT mean complexión
It means the skin tone and appearance of the face
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
complexion means the skin tone and appearance of the face.
Why it's confused
Spanish "complexión" describes a person's physical build: whether they're sturdy, thin, or athletic. English "complexion" is the tone and appearance of facial skin. Same-looking word, different body parts.
How it's pronounced
complexioncom-PLÉK-shon
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Examples of correct use
English
She has a fair complexion.
Spanish
Tiene un cutis claro.
English
The cream improves your complexion.
Spanish
La crema mejora tu cutis.
A trick to remember it
Complexion = skin tone/appearance. Physical build (Spanish "complexión") = build.
Mini quiz
"A clear complexion" is...
Frequently asked questions
What does "complexion" mean in English?
"Complexion" means "the skin tone and appearance of the face". It looks a lot like "complexión", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "complexión" in English?
To say "complexión" in English, use "build (body)". If you use "complexion" instead, you would actually be saying "the skin tone and appearance of the face".
Do "complexion" and "complexión" mean the same thing?
Spanish "complexión" describes a person's physical build: whether they're sturdy, thin, or athletic. English "complexion" is the tone and appearance of facial skin. Same-looking word, different body parts.
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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