What it's NOT
terrific does NOT translate to terrorífico.
To say "terrorífico" in English, use terrifying.
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False cognate · False friend
terrific
Does NOT mean terrorífico
It means wonderful / excellent
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
terrific means wonderful / excellent.
Why it's confused
Spanish "terrorífico" and English "terrific" share the Latin root "terrere" (to cause terror). In English, "terrific" evolved to mean wonderful or excellent, completely losing the terror connotation. Terrifying in English is "terrifying."
How it's pronounced
terrificte-RÍ-fic
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Examples of correct use
English
You did a terrific job!
Spanish
¡Hiciste un trabajo estupendo!
English
We had a terrific time at the party.
Spanish
La pasamos genial en la fiesta.
A trick to remember it
Terrific = wonderful/excellent (even though it sounds like "terror"). Terrifying (Spanish "terrorífico") = terrifying.
Mini quiz
"A terrific idea" means...
Frequently asked questions
What does "terrific" mean in English?
"Terrific" means "wonderful / excellent". It looks a lot like "terrorífico", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "terrorífico" in English?
To say "terrorífico" in English, use "terrifying". If you use "terrific" instead, you would actually be saying "wonderful / excellent".
Do "terrific" and "terrorífico" mean the same thing?
Spanish "terrorífico" and English "terrific" share the Latin root "terrere" (to cause terror). In English, "terrific" evolved to mean wonderful or excellent, completely losing the terror connotation. Terrifying in English is "terrifying."
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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