What it's NOT
vicious does NOT translate to vicioso.
To say "vicioso" in English, use addicted / depraved.
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False cognate · False friend
vicious
Does NOT mean vicioso
It means cruel / violent
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
vicious means cruel / violent.
Why it's confused
Spanish "vicioso" describes someone with harmful vices or addictions. English "vicious" is someone violent, ruthless, or fierce. Spanish "vicioso" in English is "addicted," or you describe the specific vice.
How it's pronounced
viciousVÍ-shus
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Examples of correct use
English
It was a vicious attack.
Spanish
Fue un ataque feroz.
English
The dog has a vicious bite.
Spanish
El perro tiene una mordida feroz.
A trick to remember it
Vicious = cruel/violent. Addicted (Spanish "vicioso") = addicted.
Mini quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What does "vicious" mean in English?
"Vicious" means "cruel / violent". It looks a lot like "vicioso", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "vicioso" in English?
To say "vicioso" in English, use "addicted / depraved". If you use "vicious" instead, you would actually be saying "cruel / violent".
Do "vicious" and "vicioso" mean the same thing?
Spanish "vicioso" describes someone with harmful vices or addictions. English "vicious" is someone violent, ruthless, or fierce. Spanish "vicioso" in English is "addicted," or you describe the specific vice.
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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