What it's NOT
exit does NOT translate to éxito.
To say "éxito" in English, use success.
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False cognate · False friend
exit
Does NOT mean éxito
It means a way out
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
exit means a way out.
Why it's confused
Spanish "éxito" is an achievement or a positive outcome. English "exit" is the way out of a place. The letter "x" links them visually but the meanings are completely separate. Spanish "éxito" in English is "success."
How it's pronounced
exitÉK-sit
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Examples of correct use
English
The emergency exit is on the left.
Spanish
La salida de emergencia está a la izquierda.
English
Take the next exit on the highway.
Spanish
Toma la siguiente salida en la autopista.
A trick to remember it
EXIT = the way you leave (a way out). A triumph (Spanish "éxito") = success.
Mini quiz
"Exit" means...
Frequently asked questions
What does "exit" mean in English?
"Exit" means "a way out". It looks a lot like "éxito", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "éxito" in English?
To say "éxito" in English, use "success". If you use "exit" instead, you would actually be saying "a way out".
Do "exit" and "éxito" mean the same thing?
Spanish "éxito" is an achievement or a positive outcome. English "exit" is the way out of a place. The letter "x" links them visually but the meanings are completely separate. Spanish "éxito" in English is "success."
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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