What it's NOT
curse does NOT translate to curso.
To say "curso" in English, use course.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
curse
Does NOT mean curso
It means a curse / a swear word
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
curse means a curse / a swear word.
Why it's confused
Spanish "cursar" means to take a course of study or to process an official document. English "curse" is a curse (like a witch's spell) or a swear word. They don't share a meaning, just some resemblance in form.
How it's pronounced
curseKÉRS
Tap the button to hear the real pronunciation.
Examples of correct use
English
The witch put a curse on him.
Spanish
La bruja le echó una maldición.
English
Don't curse in front of the kids.
Spanish
No digas groserías frente a los niños.
A trick to remember it
Curse = a curse/swear word. A course you take (Spanish "cursar") = course.
Mini quiz
"A curse" is...
Frequently asked questions
What does "curse" mean in English?
"Curse" means "a curse / a swear word". It looks a lot like "curso", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "curso" in English?
To say "curso" in English, use "course". If you use "curse" instead, you would actually be saying "a curse / a swear word".
Do "curse" and "curso" mean the same thing?
Spanish "cursar" means to take a course of study or to process an official document. English "curse" is a curse (like a witch's spell) or a swear word. They don't share a meaning, just some resemblance in form.
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
Publicidad