What it's NOT
fume does NOT translate to fumar.
To say "fumar" in English, use to smoke.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
fume
Does NOT mean fumar
It means smoke or toxic gas / to be very angry
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
fume means smoke or toxic gas / to be very angry.
Why it's confused
Spanish "fumar" is to smoke tobacco. English "fume(s)" are the toxic smoke or vapors something gives off when burned. As a verb, "to fume" also means to be very angry. To smoke tobacco in English is "smoke."
How it's pronounced
fumeFIÚM
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Examples of correct use
English
The exhaust fumes are toxic.
Spanish
Los gases del escape son tóxicos.
English
He was fuming with anger.
Spanish
Echaba humo del enojo.
A trick to remember it
Fume/fumes = toxic smoke or gas. Smoking a cigarette (Spanish "fumar") = smoke.
Mini quiz
"Toxic fumes" are...
Frequently asked questions
What does "fume" mean in English?
"Fume" means "smoke or toxic gas / to be very angry". It looks a lot like "fumar", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "fumar" in English?
To say "fumar" in English, use "to smoke". If you use "fume" instead, you would actually be saying "smoke or toxic gas / to be very angry".
Do "fume" and "fumar" mean the same thing?
Spanish "fumar" is to smoke tobacco. English "fume(s)" are the toxic smoke or vapors something gives off when burned. As a verb, "to fume" also means to be very angry. To smoke tobacco in English is "smoke."
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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