What it's NOT
contest does NOT translate to contestar.
To say "contestar" in English, use to answer.
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False cognate · False friend
contest
Does NOT mean contestar
It means a competition
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
contest means a competition.
Why it's confused
Spanish "contestar" means to answer or respond to something. English "contest" means to compete in a competition, or to formally dispute a decision. "To answer" in English is "answer" or "reply."
How it's pronounced
contestCÓN-test
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Examples of correct use
English
She won the singing contest.
Spanish
Ganó el concurso de canto.
English
They entered a photo contest.
Spanish
Participaron en un concurso de fotografía.
A trick to remember it
Contest = a competition. To answer (Spanish "contestar") = answer.
Mini quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What does "contest" mean in English?
"Contest" means "a competition". It looks a lot like "contestar", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "contestar" in English?
To say "contestar" in English, use "to answer". If you use "contest" instead, you would actually be saying "a competition".
Do "contest" and "contestar" mean the same thing?
Spanish "contestar" means to answer or respond to something. English "contest" means to compete in a competition, or to formally dispute a decision. "To answer" in English is "answer" or "reply."
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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