What it's NOT
red does NOT translate to red.
To say "red" in English, use net / network.
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False cognate · False friend
red
Does NOT mean red
It means the color red
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
red means the color red.
Why it's confused
Spanish "red" is a mesh or a network of connections. English "red" is the color. The resemblance is only in spelling and the pronunciation is also different. A network in English is "network" or "net."
How it's pronounced
redRED
Tap the button to hear the real pronunciation.
Examples of correct use
English
She wore a red dress.
Spanish
Llevaba un vestido rojo.
English
The traffic light is red.
Spanish
El semáforo está en rojo.
A trick to remember it
Red = the color. A network (Spanish "red") = net/network.
Mini quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What does "red" mean in English?
"Red" means "the color red". It looks a lot like "red", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "red" in English?
To say "red" in English, use "net / network". If you use "red" instead, you would actually be saying "the color red".
Do "red" and "red" mean the same thing?
Spanish "red" is a mesh or a network of connections. English "red" is the color. The resemblance is only in spelling and the pronunciation is also different. A network in English is "network" or "net."
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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