What it's NOT
fin does NOT translate to fin (el final).
To say "fin (el final)" in English, use end.
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False cognate · False friend
fin
Does NOT mean fin (el final)
It means a fish's or shark's fin
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
fin means a fish's or shark's fin.
Why it's confused
Spanish "fin" is the end or conclusion of something. English "fin" is the fin of a fish, shark, or plane. The end of something in English is "end."
How it's pronounced
finFIN
Tap the button to hear the real pronunciation.
Examples of correct use
English
The shark's fin appeared above the water.
Spanish
La aleta del tiburón apareció sobre el agua.
English
Divers wear fins on their feet.
Spanish
Los buzos usan aletas en los pies.
A trick to remember it
Fin (English) = a shark/fish fin. The end (Spanish "fin") = end.
Mini quiz
"A shark fin" is...
Frequently asked questions
What does "fin" mean in English?
"Fin" means "a fish's or shark's fin". It looks a lot like "fin", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "fin" in English?
To say "fin" in English, use "end". If you use "fin" instead, you would actually be saying "a fish's or shark's fin".
Do "fin" and "fin" mean the same thing?
Spanish "fin" is the end or conclusion of something. English "fin" is the fin of a fish, shark, or plane. The end of something in English is "end."
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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