What it's NOT
preservative does NOT translate to preservativo.
To say "preservativo" in English, use condom.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
preservative
Does NOT mean preservativo
It means a chemical added to food to keep it fresh
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
preservative means a chemical added to food to keep it fresh.
Why it's confused
Spanish "preservativo" is a condom, the barrier contraceptive method. English "preservative" is the chemical added to food to extend its shelf life. A condom in English is "condom."
How it's pronounced
preservativepri-ZÉR-va-tiv
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Examples of correct use
English
This juice has no preservatives.
Spanish
Este jugo no tiene conservantes.
English
They add preservatives to the bread.
Spanish
Le agregan conservantes al pan.
A trick to remember it
Preservative = a food-preserving chemical. A condom (Spanish "preservativo") = condom.
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Frequently asked questions
What does "preservative" mean in English?
"Preservative" means "a chemical added to food to keep it fresh". It looks a lot like "preservativo", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "preservativo" in English?
To say "preservativo" in English, use "condom". If you use "preservative" instead, you would actually be saying "a chemical added to food to keep it fresh".
Do "preservative" and "preservativo" mean the same thing?
Spanish "preservativo" is a condom, the barrier contraceptive method. English "preservative" is the chemical added to food to extend its shelf life. A condom in English is "condom."
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
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