What it's NOT
once does NOT translate to once (el número 11).
To say "once (el número 11)" in English, use eleven.
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False cognate · False friend
once
Does NOT mean once (el número 11)
It means one time
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
once means one time.
Why it's confused
Spanish "once" is the number 11. English "once" means "one time." They have no numerical or semantic relation whatsoever. The similarity is purely in spelling.
How it's pronounced
onceUÁNS
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Examples of correct use
English
I only met him once.
Spanish
Solo lo conocí una vez.
English
Once a week I go to the gym.
Spanish
Una vez por semana voy al gimnasio.
A trick to remember it
Once = one time. The number 11 (Spanish "once") = eleven.
Mini quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What does "once" mean in English?
"Once" means "one time". It looks a lot like "once", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "once" in English?
To say "once" in English, use "eleven". If you use "once" instead, you would actually be saying "one time".
Do "once" and "once" mean the same thing?
Spanish "once" is the number 11. English "once" means "one time." They have no numerical or semantic relation whatsoever. The similarity is purely in spelling.
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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