What it's NOT
parcel does NOT translate to parcela.
To say "parcela" in English, use plot / lot.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
parcel
Does NOT mean parcela
It means a package
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
parcel means a package.
Why it's confused
Spanish "parcela" is a plot of divided land. English "parcel" is a mailed package or shipment. A plot of land in English is "plot" or "lot."
How it's pronounced
parcelPÁR-sel
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Examples of correct use
English
A parcel arrived for you.
Spanish
Llegó un paquete para ti.
English
She mailed a parcel to her family.
Spanish
Envió una encomienda a su familia.
A trick to remember it
Parcel = a mailed package. A plot of land (Spanish "parcela") = plot/lot.
Mini quiz
"A parcel arrived" means...
Frequently asked questions
What does "parcel" mean in English?
"Parcel" means "a package". It looks a lot like "parcela", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "parcela" in English?
To say "parcela" in English, use "plot / lot". If you use "parcel" instead, you would actually be saying "a package".
Do "parcel" and "parcela" mean the same thing?
Spanish "parcela" is a plot of divided land. English "parcel" is a mailed package or shipment. A plot of land in English is "plot" or "lot."
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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