What it's NOT
discrete does NOT translate to discreto.
To say "discreto" in English, use discreet.
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False cognate · False friend
discrete
Does NOT mean discreto
It means separate / individual
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
discrete means separate / individual.
Why it's confused
Spanish "discreto" is someone careful who keeps secrets with reserve. English "discrete" (different spelling) means separate, distinct, not blending with other things. Spanish "discreto" in English is spelled "discreet."
How it's pronounced
discretedis-CRÍT
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Examples of correct use
English
The course has three discrete modules.
Spanish
El curso tiene tres módulos separados.
English
Two discrete categories.
Spanish
Dos categorías independientes.
A trick to remember it
Discrete = separate/individual. Reserved/tactful (Spanish "discreto") = discreet.
Mini quiz
"Discrete units" are units that are...
Frequently asked questions
What does "discrete" mean in English?
"Discrete" means "separate / individual". It looks a lot like "discreto", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "discreto" in English?
To say "discreto" in English, use "discreet". If you use "discrete" instead, you would actually be saying "separate / individual".
Do "discrete" and "discreto" mean the same thing?
Spanish "discreto" is someone careful who keeps secrets with reserve. English "discrete" (different spelling) means separate, distinct, not blending with other things. Spanish "discreto" in English is spelled "discreet."
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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