What it's NOT
record does NOT translate to recordar.
To say "recordar" in English, use to remember.
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False cognate · False friend
record
Does NOT mean recordar
It means to save / document something
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
record means to save / document something.
Why it's confused
Spanish "récord" is mainly used for a sports achievement or top result. English "record" is broader: it can be a log, a history, a music album, or the top achievement. All four uses coexist in English.
How it's pronounced
recordri-CÓRD
Tap the button to hear the real pronunciation.
Examples of correct use
English
I recorded the meeting on my phone.
Spanish
Grabé la reunión en mi teléfono.
English
The app records your steps.
Spanish
La app registra tus pasos.
A trick to remember it
Record = to save/document something. To remember (Spanish "recordar") = remember.
Mini quiz
"I recorded it" means...
Frequently asked questions
What does "record" mean in English?
"Record" means "to save / document something". It looks a lot like "recordar", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "recordar" in English?
To say "recordar" in English, use "to remember". If you use "record" instead, you would actually be saying "to save / document something".
Do "record" and "recordar" mean the same thing?
Spanish "récord" is mainly used for a sports achievement or top result. English "record" is broader: it can be a log, a history, a music album, or the top achievement. All four uses coexist in English.
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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