What it's NOT
procure does NOT translate to procurar.
To say "procurar" in English, use to try to / to see to.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
procure
Does NOT mean procurar
It means to obtain / acquire
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
procure means to obtain / acquire.
Why it's confused
Spanish "procurar" means to try to get something or to strive to achieve it. English "procure" means to obtain something formally or logistically, like acquiring supplies for an organization.
How it's pronounced
procurepro-KIÚR
Tap the button to hear the real pronunciation.
Examples of correct use
English
They procured the necessary supplies.
Spanish
Consiguieron los suministros necesarios.
English
He procured a rare book.
Spanish
Obtuvo un libro raro.
A trick to remember it
Procure = to obtain/acquire (formally). To strive for something (Spanish "procurar") = try to/see to.
Mini quiz
"They procured the supplies" means they...
Frequently asked questions
What does "procure" mean in English?
"Procure" means "to obtain / acquire". It looks a lot like "procurar", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "procurar" in English?
To say "procurar" in English, use "to try to / to see to". If you use "procure" instead, you would actually be saying "to obtain / acquire".
Do "procure" and "procurar" mean the same thing?
Spanish "procurar" means to try to get something or to strive to achieve it. English "procure" means to obtain something formally or logistically, like acquiring supplies for an organization.
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