What it's NOT
disgrace does NOT translate to desgracia.
To say "desgracia" in English, use misfortune.
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False cognate · False friend
disgrace
Does NOT mean desgracia
It means shame / dishonor
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
disgrace means shame / dishonor.
Why it's confused
Spanish "desgracia" is bad luck or a misfortune that happens to you. English "disgrace" is the loss of reputation or public dishonor. English carries a component of social judgment that Spanish doesn't always have.
How it's pronounced
disgracedis-GRÉIS
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Examples of correct use
English
His behavior was a disgrace.
Spanish
Su comportamiento fue una vergüenza.
English
She brought disgrace to the family.
Spanish
Trajo deshonra a la familia.
A trick to remember it
Disgrace = shame/dishonor. Bad luck (Spanish "desgracia") = misfortune.
Mini quiz
"It's a disgrace" means...
Frequently asked questions
What does "disgrace" mean in English?
"Disgrace" means "shame / dishonor". It looks a lot like "desgracia", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "desgracia" in English?
To say "desgracia" in English, use "misfortune". If you use "disgrace" instead, you would actually be saying "shame / dishonor".
Do "disgrace" and "desgracia" mean the same thing?
Spanish "desgracia" is bad luck or a misfortune that happens to you. English "disgrace" is the loss of reputation or public dishonor. English carries a component of social judgment that Spanish doesn't always have.
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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