What it's NOT
lecture does NOT translate to lectura.
To say "lectura" in English, use reading.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
lecture
Does NOT mean lectura
It means a talk / class given by an expert
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
lecture means a talk / class given by an expert.
Why it's confused
Spanish "lectura" is the act of reading a text. English "lecture" is a talk or class where someone presents on a topic. Reading in English is "reading."
How it's pronounced
lectureLÉK-cher
Tap the button to hear the real pronunciation.
Examples of correct use
English
The professor gave a lecture on history.
Spanish
El profesor dio una conferencia sobre historia.
English
I have a boring lecture at 8 a.m.
Spanish
Tengo una clase aburrida a las 8 de la mañana.
A trick to remember it
Lecture = someone speaking to a class (a talk). Reading a text (Spanish "lectura") is "reading."
Mini quiz
"A history lecture" is...
Frequently asked questions
What does "lecture" mean in English?
"Lecture" means "a talk / class given by an expert". It looks a lot like "lectura", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "lectura" in English?
To say "lectura" in English, use "reading". If you use "lecture" instead, you would actually be saying "a talk / class given by an expert".
Do "lecture" and "lectura" mean the same thing?
Spanish "lectura" is the act of reading a text. English "lecture" is a talk or class where someone presents on a topic. Reading in English is "reading."
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
Publicidad