What it's NOT
form does NOT translate to forma.
To say "forma" in English, use shape.
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False cognate · False friend
form
Does NOT mean forma
It means a document to fill out
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
form means a document to fill out.
Why it's confused
Spanish "forma" is the shape of something or the way of doing something. English "form" carries that sense too, but it's also the document you fill out with data. This form-to-fill-out use doesn't exist for that Spanish word.
How it's pronounced
formFORM
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Examples of correct use
English
Fill out this form, please.
Spanish
Llena este formulario, por favor.
English
Sign the form at the bottom.
Spanish
Firma el formulario abajo.
A trick to remember it
Form = a document to fill out. Shape (Spanish "forma") = shape.
Mini quiz
"Fill out the form" means to fill out the...
Frequently asked questions
What does "form" mean in English?
"Form" means "a document to fill out". It looks a lot like "forma", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "forma" in English?
To say "forma" in English, use "shape". If you use "form" instead, you would actually be saying "a document to fill out".
Do "form" and "forma" mean the same thing?
Spanish "forma" is the shape of something or the way of doing something. English "form" carries that sense too, but it's also the document you fill out with data. This form-to-fill-out use doesn't exist for that Spanish word.
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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