🎙️ Homophones
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Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and, usually, different spellings. English is full of them: to / too / two, there / their / they’re, pair / pear / pare. Because they sound identical, the only way to choose the right one is to know what each spelling means.
The groups below cover some of the most frequent and useful homophones. Each entry shows the distinct meanings, gives clear examples, and notes the quickest way to tell them apart.
📝 Common Grammar Triples & Pairs
3️⃣ To / Too / Two
To = the everyday preposition of direction or the marker of an infinitive (“to go”).
Too = also, or more than enough.
Two = the number 2.
Example:
I want to go too, but we only have two tickets.
To = preposición de dirección o marca de infinitivo. Too = también, o más de lo suficiente. Two = el número 2.
🇫🇷 French: à / aussi / deux
To = préposition de direction ou marque de l’infinitif. Too = aussi, ou trop. Two = le nombre 2.
🇩🇪 German: zu / auch / zwei
To = Richtungspräposition oder Infinitivmarker. Too = auch, oder zu viel. Two = die Zahl 2.
🇮🇹 Italian: a / anche / due
To = preposizione di direzione o marca dell’infinito. Too = anche, o troppo. Two = il numero 2.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: a / também / dois
To = preposição de direção ou marca de infinitivo. Too = também, ou demais. Two = o número 2.
💡 Nuance: If you can replace it with “also” or “excessively,” use too. If it is the number, use two. Everything else is usually to.
To = the everyday preposition of direction or the marker of an infinitive (“to go”).
Too = also, or more than enough.
Two = the number 2.
Example:
I want to go too, but we only have two tickets.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: a / también / dosTo = preposición de dirección o marca de infinitivo. Too = también, o más de lo suficiente. Two = el número 2.
🇫🇷 French: à / aussi / deux
To = préposition de direction ou marque de l’infinitif. Too = aussi, ou trop. Two = le nombre 2.
🇩🇪 German: zu / auch / zwei
To = Richtungspräposition oder Infinitivmarker. Too = auch, oder zu viel. Two = die Zahl 2.
🇮🇹 Italian: a / anche / due
To = preposizione di direzione o marca dell’infinito. Too = anche, o troppo. Two = il numero 2.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: a / também / dois
To = preposição de direção ou marca de infinitivo. Too = também, ou demais. Two = o número 2.
💡 Nuance: If you can replace it with “also” or “excessively,” use too. If it is the number, use two. Everything else is usually to.
📍 There / Their / They’re
There = in that place, or the word that starts sentences like “There is…”.
Their = belonging to them.
They’re = they are.
Example:
They’re already at their table over there.
There = en aquel lugar, o “hay…”. Their = de ellos. They’re = they are.
🇫🇷 French: là / leur / ils sont
There = à cet endroit, ou “il y a…”. Their = à eux. They’re = they are.
🇩🇪 German: dort / ihr / sie sind
There = dort, oder “es gibt…”. Their = ihr / deren. They’re = they are.
🇮🇹 Italian: là / loro / loro sono
There = in quel posto, o “c’è…”. Their = di loro. They’re = they are.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: lá / deles / eles são
There = naquele lugar, ou “há…”. Their = deles. They’re = they are.
💡 Nuance: Expand “they’re” to “they are.” If it shows possession, use their. If it points to a place or introduces existence, use there.
There = in that place, or the word that starts sentences like “There is…”.
Their = belonging to them.
They’re = they are.
Example:
They’re already at their table over there.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: allí / su / ellos sonThere = en aquel lugar, o “hay…”. Their = de ellos. They’re = they are.
🇫🇷 French: là / leur / ils sont
There = à cet endroit, ou “il y a…”. Their = à eux. They’re = they are.
🇩🇪 German: dort / ihr / sie sind
There = dort, oder “es gibt…”. Their = ihr / deren. They’re = they are.
🇮🇹 Italian: là / loro / loro sono
There = in quel posto, o “c’è…”. Their = di loro. They’re = they are.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: lá / deles / eles são
There = naquele lugar, ou “há…”. Their = deles. They’re = they are.
💡 Nuance: Expand “they’re” to “they are.” If it shows possession, use their. If it points to a place or introduces existence, use there.
👤 Your / You’re
Your = belonging to you.
You’re = you are.
Example:
You’re going to love your new desk.
Your = tuyo. You’re = you are.
🇫🇷 French: ton / tu es
Your = ton / votre. You’re = you are.
🇩🇪 German: dein / du bist
Your = dein. You’re = you are.
🇮🇹 Italian: tuo / tu sei
Your = tuo. You’re = you are.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: seu / você é
Your = seu / teu. You’re = you are.
💡 Nuance: Try substituting “you are.” If the sentence still works, write you’re. If not, use your.
Your = belonging to you.
You’re = you are.
Example:
You’re going to love your new desk.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: tu / tú eresYour = tuyo. You’re = you are.
🇫🇷 French: ton / tu es
Your = ton / votre. You’re = you are.
🇩🇪 German: dein / du bist
Your = dein. You’re = you are.
🇮🇹 Italian: tuo / tu sei
Your = tuo. You’re = you are.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: seu / você é
Your = seu / teu. You’re = you are.
💡 Nuance: Try substituting “you are.” If the sentence still works, write you’re. If not, use your.
📦 Its / It’s
Its = belonging to it.
It’s = it is or it has.
Example:
It’s clear that the robot has lost its balance.
Its = de ello. It’s = it is o it has.
🇫🇷 French: son / c’est
Its = son / sa. It’s = it is ou it has.
🇩🇪 German: sein / es ist
Its = sein. It’s = it is oder it has.
🇮🇹 Italian: suo / è
Its = suo. It’s = it is o it has.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: seu / é
Its = seu. It’s = it is ou it has.
💡 Nuance: Possessive “its” never takes an apostrophe. The apostrophe version is always a contraction.
Its = belonging to it.
It’s = it is or it has.
Example:
It’s clear that the robot has lost its balance.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: su / esIts = de ello. It’s = it is o it has.
🇫🇷 French: son / c’est
Its = son / sa. It’s = it is ou it has.
🇩🇪 German: sein / es ist
Its = sein. It’s = it is oder it has.
🇮🇹 Italian: suo / è
Its = suo. It’s = it is o it has.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: seu / é
Its = seu. It’s = it is ou it has.
💡 Nuance: Possessive “its” never takes an apostrophe. The apostrophe version is always a contraction.
🔊 Everyday Sound-Alikes
👂 Hear / Here
Hear = to pick up sound with the ears.
Here = in this place.
Example:
Can you hear me from here?
Hear = oír. Here = aquí.
🇫🇷 French: entendre / ici
Hear = entendre. Here = ici.
🇩🇪 German: hören / hier
Hear = hören. Here = hier.
🇮🇹 Italian: sentire / qui
Hear = sentire. Here = qui.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: ouvir / aqui
Hear = ouvir. Here = aqui.
💡 Nuance: Hear is the listening verb. Here is the location word.
Hear = to pick up sound with the ears.
Here = in this place.
Example:
Can you hear me from here?
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: oír / aquíHear = oír. Here = aquí.
🇫🇷 French: entendre / ici
Hear = entendre. Here = ici.
🇩🇪 German: hören / hier
Hear = hören. Here = hier.
🇮🇹 Italian: sentire / qui
Hear = sentire. Here = qui.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: ouvir / aqui
Hear = ouvir. Here = aqui.
💡 Nuance: Hear is the listening verb. Here is the location word.
👁️ See / Sea
See = to take in with the eyes, or to understand.
Sea = the large body of salt water.
Example:
From the cliff we could see the open sea.
See = ver o entender. Sea = el mar.
🇫🇷 French: voir / mer
See = voir ou comprendre. Sea = la mer.
🇩🇪 German: sehen / Meer
See = sehen oder verstehen. Sea = das Meer.
🇮🇹 Italian: vedere / mare
See = vedere o capire. Sea = il mare.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: ver / mar
See = ver ou entender. Sea = o mar.
💡 Nuance: See is the verb. Sea is the noun for the ocean.
See = to take in with the eyes, or to understand.
Sea = the large body of salt water.
Example:
From the cliff we could see the open sea.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: ver / marSee = ver o entender. Sea = el mar.
🇫🇷 French: voir / mer
See = voir ou comprendre. Sea = la mer.
🇩🇪 German: sehen / Meer
See = sehen oder verstehen. Sea = das Meer.
🇮🇹 Italian: vedere / mare
See = vedere o capire. Sea = il mare.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: ver / mar
See = ver ou entender. Sea = o mar.
💡 Nuance: See is the verb. Sea is the noun for the ocean.
✍️ Write / Right
Write = to put letters or words onto a surface.
Right = correct; the opposite of left; a legal or moral claim.
Example:
Please write your name on the right side of the page.
Write = escribir. Right = correcto; lo contrario de izquierda; un derecho.
🇫🇷 French: écrire / droit
Write = écrire. Right = correct ; le contraire de gauche ; un droit.
🇩🇪 German: schreiben / rechts
Write = schreiben. Right = richtig; das Gegenteil von links; ein Recht.
🇮🇹 Italian: scrivere / destro
Write = scrivere. Right = corretto; il contrario di sinistra; un diritto.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: escrever / direito
Write = escrever. Right = correto; o oposto de esquerda; um direito.
💡 Nuance: Write is always the verb of producing text. Right covers correctness, direction, and entitlements.
Write = to put letters or words onto a surface.
Right = correct; the opposite of left; a legal or moral claim.
Example:
Please write your name on the right side of the page.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: escribir / derechoWrite = escribir. Right = correcto; lo contrario de izquierda; un derecho.
🇫🇷 French: écrire / droit
Write = écrire. Right = correct ; le contraire de gauche ; un droit.
🇩🇪 German: schreiben / rechts
Write = schreiben. Right = richtig; das Gegenteil von links; ein Recht.
🇮🇹 Italian: scrivere / destro
Write = scrivere. Right = corretto; il contrario di sinistra; un diritto.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: escrever / direito
Write = escrever. Right = correto; o oposto de esquerda; um direito.
💡 Nuance: Write is always the verb of producing text. Right covers correctness, direction, and entitlements.
🧠 Know / No
Know = to have information or understanding in your mind.
No = the negative answer, or the word that negates a noun.
Example:
I know there is no simple answer.
Know = saber. No = no (respuesta negativa) o la palabra que niega un nombre.
🇫🇷 French: savoir / non
Know = savoir. No = non, ou le mot qui nie un nom.
🇩🇪 German: wissen / nein
Know = wissen. No = nein, oder das Wort, das ein Nomen verneint.
🇮🇹 Italian: sapere / no
Know = sapere. No = no (risposta negativa) o la parola che nega un nome.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: saber / não
Know = saber. No = não (resposta negativa) ou a palavra que nega um substantivo.
💡 Nuance: Know is the verb of knowledge. No is the opposite of yes or the negating word.
Know = to have information or understanding in your mind.
No = the negative answer, or the word that negates a noun.
Example:
I know there is no simple answer.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: saber / noKnow = saber. No = no (respuesta negativa) o la palabra que niega un nombre.
🇫🇷 French: savoir / non
Know = savoir. No = non, ou le mot qui nie un nom.
🇩🇪 German: wissen / nein
Know = wissen. No = nein, oder das Wort, das ein Nomen verneint.
🇮🇹 Italian: sapere / no
Know = sapere. No = no (risposta negativa) o la parola che nega un nome.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: saber / não
Know = saber. No = não (resposta negativa) ou a palavra que nega um substantivo.
💡 Nuance: Know is the verb of knowledge. No is the opposite of yes or the negating word.
🌸 Flour / Flower
Flour = the fine powder ground from grain and used in baking.
Flower = the blossom of a plant.
Example:
She added flour to the bowl while looking at the flower on the windowsill.
Flour = harina. Flower = flor.
🇫🇷 French: farine / fleur
Flour = farine. Flower = fleur.
🇩🇪 German: Mehl / Blume
Flour = Mehl. Flower = Blüte / Blume.
🇮🇹 Italian: farina / fiore
Flour = farina. Flower = fiore.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: farinha / flor
Flour = farinha. Flower = flor.
💡 Nuance: Flour is the baking ingredient. Flower is the plant part.
Flour = the fine powder ground from grain and used in baking.
Flower = the blossom of a plant.
Example:
She added flour to the bowl while looking at the flower on the windowsill.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: harina / florFlour = harina. Flower = flor.
🇫🇷 French: farine / fleur
Flour = farine. Flower = fleur.
🇩🇪 German: Mehl / Blume
Flour = Mehl. Flower = Blüte / Blume.
🇮🇹 Italian: farina / fiore
Flour = farina. Flower = fiore.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: farinha / flor
Flour = farinha. Flower = flor.
💡 Nuance: Flour is the baking ingredient. Flower is the plant part.
🍐 Three-Way Sets & Useful Pairs
🍐 Pair / Pear / Pare
Pair = two matched items, or the act of putting two things together.
Pear = the sweet fruit.
Pare = to cut away the outer skin or layer.
Example:
Please pair the socks, then pare the pear for the salad.
Pair = un par, o emparejar. Pear = pera. Pare = pelar o recortar la capa exterior.
🇫🇷 French: paire / poire / peler
Pair = une paire, ou apparier. Pear = poire. Pare = peler ou couper la couche extérieure.
🇩🇪 German: Paar / Birne / schälen
Pair = ein Paar, oder zusammenstellen. Pear = Birne. Pare = die äußere Schicht wegschneiden.
🇮🇹 Italian: paio / pera / sbucciare
Pair = un paio, o accoppiare. Pear = pera. Pare = sbucciare o tagliare lo strato esterno.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: par / pera / descascar
Pair = um par, ou emparelhar. Pear = pera. Pare = descascar ou cortar a camada de fora.
💡 Nuance: Pair = two. Pear = fruit. Pare = peel or trim by cutting.
Pair = two matched items, or the act of putting two things together.
Pear = the sweet fruit.
Pare = to cut away the outer skin or layer.
Example:
Please pair the socks, then pare the pear for the salad.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: par / pera / pelarPair = un par, o emparejar. Pear = pera. Pare = pelar o recortar la capa exterior.
🇫🇷 French: paire / poire / peler
Pair = une paire, ou apparier. Pear = poire. Pare = peler ou couper la couche extérieure.
🇩🇪 German: Paar / Birne / schälen
Pair = ein Paar, oder zusammenstellen. Pear = Birne. Pare = die äußere Schicht wegschneiden.
🇮🇹 Italian: paio / pera / sbucciare
Pair = un paio, o accoppiare. Pear = pera. Pare = sbucciare o tagliare lo strato esterno.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: par / pera / descascar
Pair = um par, ou emparelhar. Pear = pera. Pare = descascar ou cortar a camada de fora.
💡 Nuance: Pair = two. Pear = fruit. Pare = peel or trim by cutting.
🛑 Brake / Break
Brake = the device that stops a vehicle, or the act of using it.
Break = to separate into pieces, or a short rest.
Example:
He had to brake hard to avoid the broken glass in the road.
Brake = freno, o frenar. Break = romper, o un descanso.
🇫🇷 French: frein / casser
Brake = frein, ou freiner. Break = casser, ou une pause.
🇩🇪 German: Bremse / brechen
Brake = Bremse, oder bremsen. Break = zerbrechen, oder eine Pause.
🇮🇹 Italian: freno / rompere
Brake = freno, o frenare. Break = rompere, o una pausa.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: freio / quebrar
Brake = freio, ou frear. Break = quebrar, ou um descanso.
💡 Nuance: Brake is almost always about stopping a vehicle. Break is the much broader verb (and noun) for shattering or pausing.
Brake = the device that stops a vehicle, or the act of using it.
Break = to separate into pieces, or a short rest.
Example:
He had to brake hard to avoid the broken glass in the road.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: freno / romperBrake = freno, o frenar. Break = romper, o un descanso.
🇫🇷 French: frein / casser
Brake = frein, ou freiner. Break = casser, ou une pause.
🇩🇪 German: Bremse / brechen
Brake = Bremse, oder bremsen. Break = zerbrechen, oder eine Pause.
🇮🇹 Italian: freno / rompere
Brake = freno, o frenare. Break = rompere, o una pausa.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: freio / quebrar
Brake = freio, ou frear. Break = quebrar, ou um descanso.
💡 Nuance: Brake is almost always about stopping a vehicle. Break is the much broader verb (and noun) for shattering or pausing.
✌️ Peace / Piece
Peace = the state of calm or freedom from conflict.
Piece = a portion or part of something larger.
Example:
She finally found peace after finishing the last piece of the puzzle.
Peace = paz. Piece = un trozo o una parte.
🇫🇷 French: paix / morceau
Peace = paix. Piece = un morceau ou une partie.
🇩🇪 German: Frieden / Stück
Peace = Frieden. Piece = ein Stück oder ein Teil.
🇮🇹 Italian: pace / pezzo
Peace = pace. Piece = un pezzo o una parte.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: paz / pedaço
Peace = paz. Piece = um pedaço ou uma parte.
💡 Nuance: Peace is the calm state. Piece is a part or fragment.
Peace = the state of calm or freedom from conflict.
Piece = a portion or part of something larger.
Example:
She finally found peace after finishing the last piece of the puzzle.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: paz / trozoPeace = paz. Piece = un trozo o una parte.
🇫🇷 French: paix / morceau
Peace = paix. Piece = un morceau ou une partie.
🇩🇪 German: Frieden / Stück
Peace = Frieden. Piece = ein Stück oder ein Teil.
🇮🇹 Italian: pace / pezzo
Peace = pace. Piece = un pezzo o una parte.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: paz / pedaço
Peace = paz. Piece = um pedaço ou uma parte.
💡 Nuance: Peace is the calm state. Piece is a part or fragment.
✉️ Mail / Male
Mail = letters and packages, or the act of sending them.
Male = of the sex that produces sperm; a man or boy.
Example:
The mail arrived late; most of it was addressed to the male employees.
Mail = correo. Male = masculino; un hombre o un chico.
🇫🇷 French: courrier / masculin
Mail = courrier. Male = masculin ; un homme ou un garçon.
🇩🇪 German: Post / männlich
Mail = Post. Male = männlich; ein Mann oder Junge.
🇮🇹 Italian: posta / maschile
Mail = posta. Male = maschile; un uomo o un ragazzo.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: correio / masculino
Mail = correio. Male = masculino; um homem ou um menino.
💡 Nuance: Mail is postal. Male is the gender/sex term.
Mail = letters and packages, or the act of sending them.
Male = of the sex that produces sperm; a man or boy.
Example:
The mail arrived late; most of it was addressed to the male employees.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: correo / masculinoMail = correo. Male = masculino; un hombre o un chico.
🇫🇷 French: courrier / masculin
Mail = courrier. Male = masculin ; un homme ou un garçon.
🇩🇪 German: Post / männlich
Mail = Post. Male = männlich; ein Mann oder Junge.
🇮🇹 Italian: posta / maschile
Mail = posta. Male = maschile; un uomo o un ragazzo.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: correio / masculino
Mail = correio. Male = masculino; um homem ou um menino.
💡 Nuance: Mail is postal. Male is the gender/sex term.
☀️ Sun / Son
Sun = the star that gives us light and warmth, or its light itself.
Son = a male child.
Example:
Her son sat in the sun reading for most of the afternoon.
Sun = el sol. Son = un hijo varón.
🇫🇷 French: soleil / fils
Sun = le soleil. Son = un fils.
🇩🇪 German: Sonne / Sohn
Sun = die Sonne. Son = ein Sohn.
🇮🇹 Italian: sole / figlio
Sun = il sole. Son = un figlio maschio.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: sol / filho
Sun = o sol. Son = um filho homem.
💡 Nuance: Sun is the star. Son is the family relationship.
Sun = the star that gives us light and warmth, or its light itself.
Son = a male child.
Example:
Her son sat in the sun reading for most of the afternoon.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: sol / hijoSun = el sol. Son = un hijo varón.
🇫🇷 French: soleil / fils
Sun = le soleil. Son = un fils.
🇩🇪 German: Sonne / Sohn
Sun = die Sonne. Son = ein Sohn.
🇮🇹 Italian: sole / figlio
Sun = il sole. Son = un figlio maschio.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: sol / filho
Sun = o sol. Son = um filho homem.
💡 Nuance: Sun is the star. Son is the family relationship.
🌙 Night / Knight
Night = the dark hours between one day and the next.
Knight = a medieval warrior of high rank, or the chess piece.
Example:
The knight rode through the night to deliver the message.
Night = la noche. Knight = un caballero medieval, o la pieza de ajedrez.
🇫🇷 French: nuit / chevalier
Night = la nuit. Knight = un chevalier médiéval, ou la pièce d’échecs.
🇩🇪 German: Nacht / Ritter
Night = die Nacht. Knight = ein mittelalterlicher Ritter, oder die Schachfigur.
🇮🇹 Italian: notte / cavaliere
Night = la notte. Knight = un cavaliere medievale, o il pezzo degli scacchi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: noite / cavaleiro
Night = a noite. Knight = um cavaleiro medieval, ou a peça de xadrez.
💡 Nuance: Night is the time of day. Knight is the historical (or chess) figure.
Night = the dark hours between one day and the next.
Knight = a medieval warrior of high rank, or the chess piece.
Example:
The knight rode through the night to deliver the message.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: noche / caballeroNight = la noche. Knight = un caballero medieval, o la pieza de ajedrez.
🇫🇷 French: nuit / chevalier
Night = la nuit. Knight = un chevalier médiéval, ou la pièce d’échecs.
🇩🇪 German: Nacht / Ritter
Night = die Nacht. Knight = ein mittelalterlicher Ritter, oder die Schachfigur.
🇮🇹 Italian: notte / cavaliere
Night = la notte. Knight = un cavaliere medievale, o il pezzo degli scacchi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: noite / cavaleiro
Night = a noite. Knight = um cavaleiro medieval, ou a peça de xadrez.
💡 Nuance: Night is the time of day. Knight is the historical (or chess) figure.
✈️ Plain / Plane
Plain = simple and undecorated; also a flat stretch of land; also clear.
Plane = an airplane; also a flat surface; also a tool for smoothing wood.
Example:
The plain fields stretched out below the plane.
Plain = sencillo y sin adorno; también una llanura; también claro. Plane = un avión; también una superficie plana; también una herramienta para alisar madera.
🇫🇷 French: simple / avion
Plain = simple et sans décor ; aussi une plaine ; aussi clair. Plane = un avion ; aussi une surface plane ; aussi un outil pour lisser le bois.
🇩🇪 German: schlicht / Flugzeug
Plain = schlicht und ungeschmückt; auch eine Ebene; auch klar. Plane = ein Flugzeug; auch eine ebene Fläche; auch ein Hobel.
🇮🇹 Italian: semplice / aereo
Plain = semplice e senza decoro; anche una pianura; anche chiaro. Plane = un aereo; anche una superficie piana; anche un attrezzo per lisciare il legno.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: simples / avião
Plain = simples e sem adorno; também uma planície; também claro. Plane = um avião; também uma superfície plana; também uma ferramenta para alisar madeira.
💡 Nuance: Plain often means simple or unadorned. Plane most commonly means airplane in everyday modern use.
Plain = simple and undecorated; also a flat stretch of land; also clear.
Plane = an airplane; also a flat surface; also a tool for smoothing wood.
Example:
The plain fields stretched out below the plane.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: sencillo / aviónPlain = sencillo y sin adorno; también una llanura; también claro. Plane = un avión; también una superficie plana; también una herramienta para alisar madera.
🇫🇷 French: simple / avion
Plain = simple et sans décor ; aussi une plaine ; aussi clair. Plane = un avion ; aussi une surface plane ; aussi un outil pour lisser le bois.
🇩🇪 German: schlicht / Flugzeug
Plain = schlicht und ungeschmückt; auch eine Ebene; auch klar. Plane = ein Flugzeug; auch eine ebene Fläche; auch ein Hobel.
🇮🇹 Italian: semplice / aereo
Plain = semplice e senza decoro; anche una pianura; anche chiaro. Plane = un aereo; anche una superficie piana; anche un attrezzo per lisciare il legno.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: simples / avião
Plain = simples e sem adorno; também uma planície; também claro. Plane = um avião; também uma superfície plana; também uma ferramenta para alisar madeira.
💡 Nuance: Plain often means simple or unadorned. Plane most commonly means airplane in everyday modern use.
🛒 More Frequent Pairs
🛒 Buy / By / Bye
Buy = to purchase something.
By = next to, or showing the agent or means.
Bye = short form of goodbye.
Example:
I’ll buy the tickets by the station and then say bye.
Buy = comprar. By = junto a, o indicando el agente o el medio. Bye = adiós.
🇫🇷 French: acheter / par / au revoir
Buy = acheter. By = à côté de, ou indiquant l’agent ou le moyen. Bye = au revoir.
🇩🇪 German: kaufen / bei / tschüss
Buy = kaufen. By = neben, oder zeigt den Handelnden oder das Mittel. Bye = tschüss.
🇮🇹 Italian: comprare / da / ciao
Buy = comprare. By = accanto a, o che indica l’agente o il mezzo. Bye = ciao.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: comprar / por / tchau
Buy = comprar. By = ao lado de, ou indicando o agente ou o meio. Bye = tchau.
💡 Nuance: Buy is the shopping verb. By is the preposition. Bye is the farewell.
Buy = to purchase something.
By = next to, or showing the agent or means.
Bye = short form of goodbye.
Example:
I’ll buy the tickets by the station and then say bye.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: comprar / por / adiósBuy = comprar. By = junto a, o indicando el agente o el medio. Bye = adiós.
🇫🇷 French: acheter / par / au revoir
Buy = acheter. By = à côté de, ou indiquant l’agent ou le moyen. Bye = au revoir.
🇩🇪 German: kaufen / bei / tschüss
Buy = kaufen. By = neben, oder zeigt den Handelnden oder das Mittel. Bye = tschüss.
🇮🇹 Italian: comprare / da / ciao
Buy = comprare. By = accanto a, o che indica l’agente o il mezzo. Bye = ciao.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: comprar / por / tchau
Buy = comprar. By = ao lado de, ou indicando o agente ou o meio. Bye = tchau.
💡 Nuance: Buy is the shopping verb. By is the preposition. Bye is the farewell.
👕 Wear / Where / Ware
Wear = to have clothes on, or to become thinner through use.
Where = in or to what place.
Ware = manufactured goods (as in “software” or “glassware”).
Example:
Where did you buy the outdoor wear?
Wear = llevar puesto, o desgastarse. Where = dónde. Ware = mercancías.
🇫🇷 French: porter / où / marchandise
Wear = porter, ou s’user. Where = où. Ware = marchandises.
🇩🇪 German: tragen / wo / Ware
Wear = tragen, oder sich abnutzen. Where = wo. Ware = Waren.
🇮🇹 Italian: indossare / dove / merce
Wear = indossare, o consumarsi. Where = dove. Ware = merci.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: vestir / onde / mercadoria
Wear = vestir, ou desgastar. Where = onde. Ware = mercadorias.
💡 Nuance: Wear is the clothing verb. Where is the location question word. Ware appears mainly in compound nouns for goods.
Wear = to have clothes on, or to become thinner through use.
Where = in or to what place.
Ware = manufactured goods (as in “software” or “glassware”).
Example:
Where did you buy the outdoor wear?
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: llevar / dónde / mercancíaWear = llevar puesto, o desgastarse. Where = dónde. Ware = mercancías.
🇫🇷 French: porter / où / marchandise
Wear = porter, ou s’user. Where = où. Ware = marchandises.
🇩🇪 German: tragen / wo / Ware
Wear = tragen, oder sich abnutzen. Where = wo. Ware = Waren.
🇮🇹 Italian: indossare / dove / merce
Wear = indossare, o consumarsi. Where = dove. Ware = merci.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: vestir / onde / mercadoria
Wear = vestir, ou desgastar. Where = onde. Ware = mercadorias.
💡 Nuance: Wear is the clothing verb. Where is the location question word. Ware appears mainly in compound nouns for goods.
📋 Board / Bored
Board = a flat piece of material; a governing group; the act of getting onto a ship, plane, or train.
Bored = feeling tired and uninterested because something is dull.
Example:
She felt bored during the long board meeting.
Board = una tabla; un consejo; subir a bordo. Bored = aburrido.
🇫🇷 French: planche / ennuyé
Board = une planche ; un conseil ; monter à bord. Bored = ennuyé.
🇩🇪 German: Brett / gelangweilt
Board = ein Brett; ein Gremium; einsteigen. Bored = gelangweilt.
🇮🇹 Italian: tavola / annoiato
Board = una tavola; un consiglio; salire a bordo. Bored = annoiato.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: tábua / entediado
Board = uma tábua; um conselho; embarcar. Bored = entediado.
💡 Nuance: Board has several noun and verb uses. Bored is only the feeling of boredom.
Board = a flat piece of material; a governing group; the act of getting onto a ship, plane, or train.
Bored = feeling tired and uninterested because something is dull.
Example:
She felt bored during the long board meeting.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: tabla / aburridoBoard = una tabla; un consejo; subir a bordo. Bored = aburrido.
🇫🇷 French: planche / ennuyé
Board = une planche ; un conseil ; monter à bord. Bored = ennuyé.
🇩🇪 German: Brett / gelangweilt
Board = ein Brett; ein Gremium; einsteigen. Bored = gelangweilt.
🇮🇹 Italian: tavola / annoiato
Board = una tavola; un consiglio; salire a bordo. Bored = annoiato.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: tábua / entediado
Board = uma tábua; um conselho; embarcar. Bored = entediado.
💡 Nuance: Board has several noun and verb uses. Bored is only the feeling of boredom.
🔊 Allowed / Aloud
Allowed = given permission.
Aloud = out loud, so others can hear.
Example:
We are not allowed to read aloud in the quiet zone.
Allowed = permitido. Aloud = en voz alta.
🇫🇷 French: autorisé / à voix haute
Allowed = autorisé. Aloud = à voix haute.
🇩🇪 German: erlaubt / laut
Allowed = erlaubt. Aloud = laut / vorlesend.
🇮🇹 Italian: permesso / ad alta voce
Allowed = permesso. Aloud = ad alta voce.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: permitido / em voz alta
Allowed = permitido. Aloud = em voz alta.
💡 Nuance: Allowed = permitted. Aloud = spoken audibly.
Allowed = given permission.
Aloud = out loud, so others can hear.
Example:
We are not allowed to read aloud in the quiet zone.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: permitido / en voz altaAllowed = permitido. Aloud = en voz alta.
🇫🇷 French: autorisé / à voix haute
Allowed = autorisé. Aloud = à voix haute.
🇩🇪 German: erlaubt / laut
Allowed = erlaubt. Aloud = laut / vorlesend.
🇮🇹 Italian: permesso / ad alta voce
Allowed = permesso. Aloud = ad alta voce.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: permitido / em voz alta
Allowed = permitido. Aloud = em voz alta.
💡 Nuance: Allowed = permitted. Aloud = spoken audibly.
📈 Affect / Effect
Affect = to influence or change something (almost always a verb).
Effect = a result or outcome (almost always a noun).
Example:
The new policy will affect everyone, but the full effect will not be clear for months.
Affect = influir o cambiar (casi siempre verbo). Effect = un resultado (casi siempre sustantivo).
🇫🇷 French: affecter / effet
Affect = influencer ou changer (presque toujours un verbe). Effect = un résultat (presque toujours un nom).
🇩🇪 German: beeinflussen / Wirkung
Affect = beeinflussen oder verändern (fast immer Verb). Effect = ein Ergebnis (fast immer Nomen).
🇮🇹 Italian: influenzare / effetto
Affect = influenzare o cambiare (quasi sempre verbo). Effect = un risultato (quasi sempre nome).
🇵🇹 Portuguese: afetar / efeito
Affect = influenciar ou mudar (quase sempre verbo). Effect = um resultado (quase sempre substantivo).
💡 Nuance: If you can replace the word with “influence,” use affect. If you can replace it with “result,” use effect.
Affect = to influence or change something (almost always a verb).
Effect = a result or outcome (almost always a noun).
Example:
The new policy will affect everyone, but the full effect will not be clear for months.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: afectar / efectoAffect = influir o cambiar (casi siempre verbo). Effect = un resultado (casi siempre sustantivo).
🇫🇷 French: affecter / effet
Affect = influencer ou changer (presque toujours un verbe). Effect = un résultat (presque toujours un nom).
🇩🇪 German: beeinflussen / Wirkung
Affect = beeinflussen oder verändern (fast immer Verb). Effect = ein Ergebnis (fast immer Nomen).
🇮🇹 Italian: influenzare / effetto
Affect = influenzare o cambiare (quasi sempre verbo). Effect = un risultato (quasi sempre nome).
🇵🇹 Portuguese: afetar / efeito
Affect = influenciar ou mudar (quase sempre verbo). Effect = um resultado (quase sempre substantivo).
💡 Nuance: If you can replace the word with “influence,” use affect. If you can replace it with “result,” use effect.
💬 Complement / Compliment
Complement = something that completes or goes well with something else.
Compliment = a polite expression of praise or admiration.
Example:
The wine was a perfect complement to the meal, and the guests offered many compliments to the cook.
Complement = algo que completa o combina bien. Compliment = un elogio.
🇫🇷 French: complément / compliment
Complement = quelque chose qui complète ou va bien avec. Compliment = un éloge.
🇩🇪 German: Ergänzung / Kompliment
Complement = etwas, das ergänzt oder gut dazu passt. Compliment = ein Lob.
🇮🇹 Italian: complemento / complimento
Complement = qualcosa che completa o sta bene con. Compliment = un elogio.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: complemento / elogio
Complement = algo que completa ou combina bem. Compliment = um elogio.
💡 Nuance: Complement has the idea of completing. Compliment is about praise.
Complement = something that completes or goes well with something else.
Compliment = a polite expression of praise or admiration.
Example:
The wine was a perfect complement to the meal, and the guests offered many compliments to the cook.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: complemento / cumplidoComplement = algo que completa o combina bien. Compliment = un elogio.
🇫🇷 French: complément / compliment
Complement = quelque chose qui complète ou va bien avec. Compliment = un éloge.
🇩🇪 German: Ergänzung / Kompliment
Complement = etwas, das ergänzt oder gut dazu passt. Compliment = ein Lob.
🇮🇹 Italian: complemento / complimento
Complement = qualcosa che completa o sta bene con. Compliment = un elogio.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: complemento / elogio
Complement = algo que completa ou combina bem. Compliment = um elogio.
💡 Nuance: Complement has the idea of completing. Compliment is about praise.
🏫 Principal / Principle
Principal = the head of a school, or the main/most important thing.
Principle = a fundamental rule, belief, or standard.
Example:
The principal of the school explained the main principle behind the new rules.
Principal = el director de un colegio, o lo principal. Principle = una regla, creencia o norma fundamental.
🇫🇷 French: directeur / principe
Principal = le directeur d’une école, ou l’essentiel. Principle = une règle, une croyance ou une norme fondamentale.
🇩🇪 German: Schulleiter / Prinzip
Principal = der Schulleiter, oder das Wichtigste. Principle = eine grundlegende Regel, Überzeugung oder Norm.
🇮🇹 Italian: preside / principio
Principal = il preside, o la cosa principale. Principle = una regola, una credenza o uno standard fondamentale.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: diretor / princípio
Principal = o diretor da escola, ou o principal. Principle = uma regra, crença ou norma fundamental.
💡 Nuance: Principal often means “main” or “head.” Principle is always a rule or belief.
Principal = the head of a school, or the main/most important thing.
Principle = a fundamental rule, belief, or standard.
Example:
The principal of the school explained the main principle behind the new rules.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: director / principioPrincipal = el director de un colegio, o lo principal. Principle = una regla, creencia o norma fundamental.
🇫🇷 French: directeur / principe
Principal = le directeur d’une école, ou l’essentiel. Principle = une règle, une croyance ou une norme fondamentale.
🇩🇪 German: Schulleiter / Prinzip
Principal = der Schulleiter, oder das Wichtigste. Principle = eine grundlegende Regel, Überzeugung oder Norm.
🇮🇹 Italian: preside / principio
Principal = il preside, o la cosa principale. Principle = una regola, una credenza o uno standard fondamentale.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: diretor / princípio
Principal = o diretor da escola, ou o principal. Principle = uma regra, crença ou norma fundamental.
💡 Nuance: Principal often means “main” or “head.” Principle is always a rule or belief.
📎 Stationary / Stationery
Stationary = not moving; still.
Stationery = writing materials (paper, pens, envelopes, etc.).
Example:
The car remained stationary while she chose new stationery for the office.
Stationary = inmóvil. Stationery = material de escritura.
🇫🇷 French: immobile / papeterie
Stationary = immobile. Stationery = fournitures d’écriture.
🇩🇪 German: unbeweglich / Schreibwaren
Stationary = unbeweglich. Stationery = Schreibwaren.
🇮🇹 Italian: fermo / cancelleria
Stationary = fermo. Stationery = cancelleria.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: parado / papelaria
Stationary = parado. Stationery = material de escritório.
💡 Nuance: Stationary = still. Stationery = paper and writing supplies (remember the “e” for envelope).
Stationary = not moving; still.
Stationery = writing materials (paper, pens, envelopes, etc.).
Example:
The car remained stationary while she chose new stationery for the office.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: inmóvil / papeleríaStationary = inmóvil. Stationery = material de escritura.
🇫🇷 French: immobile / papeterie
Stationary = immobile. Stationery = fournitures d’écriture.
🇩🇪 German: unbeweglich / Schreibwaren
Stationary = unbeweglich. Stationery = Schreibwaren.
🇮🇹 Italian: fermo / cancelleria
Stationary = fermo. Stationery = cancelleria.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: parado / papelaria
Stationary = parado. Stationery = material de escritório.
💡 Nuance: Stationary = still. Stationery = paper and writing supplies (remember the “e” for envelope).
🌦️ Weather / Whether
Weather = the state of the atmosphere (rain, sun, wind, etc.).
Whether = used to introduce alternatives or possibilities (“whether or not”).
Example:
I’m not sure whether the weather will improve tomorrow.
Weather = el tiempo atmosférico. Whether = si (introduce alternativas).
🇫🇷 French: temps / si
Weather = le temps qu’il fait. Whether = si (introduit des alternatives).
🇩🇪 German: Wetter / ob
Weather = das Wetter. Whether = ob (führt Alternativen ein).
🇮🇹 Italian: tempo / se
Weather = il tempo atmosferico. Whether = se (introduce alternative).
🇵🇹 Portuguese: tempo / se
Weather = o tempo (clima). Whether = se (introduz alternativas).
💡 Nuance: Weather is what you see outside. Whether introduces a choice or doubt.
Weather = the state of the atmosphere (rain, sun, wind, etc.).
Whether = used to introduce alternatives or possibilities (“whether or not”).
Example:
I’m not sure whether the weather will improve tomorrow.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: tiempo / siWeather = el tiempo atmosférico. Whether = si (introduce alternativas).
🇫🇷 French: temps / si
Weather = le temps qu’il fait. Whether = si (introduit des alternatives).
🇩🇪 German: Wetter / ob
Weather = das Wetter. Whether = ob (führt Alternativen ein).
🇮🇹 Italian: tempo / se
Weather = il tempo atmosferico. Whether = se (introduce alternative).
🇵🇹 Portuguese: tempo / se
Weather = o tempo (clima). Whether = se (introduz alternativas).
💡 Nuance: Weather is what you see outside. Whether introduces a choice or doubt.
✅ Accept / Except
Accept = to receive or agree to something.
Except = excluding; leaving out.
Example:
Everyone accepted the invitation except for two people who were away.
Accept = aceptar o recibir. Except = excepto; dejando fuera.
🇫🇷 French: accepter / sauf
Accept = accepter ou recevoir. Except = sauf ; en excluant.
🇩🇪 German: annehmen / außer
Accept = annehmen oder zustimmen. Except = außer; ausgenommen.
🇮🇹 Italian: accettare / eccetto
Accept = accettare o ricevere. Except = eccetto; escludendo.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: aceitar / exceto
Accept = aceitar ou receber. Except = exceto; deixando de fora.
💡 Nuance: Accept = take or agree. Except = leave out.
Accept = to receive or agree to something.
Except = excluding; leaving out.
Example:
Everyone accepted the invitation except for two people who were away.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: aceptar / exceptoAccept = aceptar o recibir. Except = excepto; dejando fuera.
🇫🇷 French: accepter / sauf
Accept = accepter ou recevoir. Except = sauf ; en excluant.
🇩🇪 German: annehmen / außer
Accept = annehmen oder zustimmen. Except = außer; ausgenommen.
🇮🇹 Italian: accettare / eccetto
Accept = accettare o ricevere. Except = eccetto; escludendo.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: aceitar / exceto
Accept = aceitar ou receber. Except = exceto; deixando de fora.
💡 Nuance: Accept = take or agree. Except = leave out.
⏳ Than / Then
Than = used in comparisons.
Then = at that time, or next in a sequence.
Example:
She is taller than her brother; then she will help him reach the shelf.
Than = que (en comparaciones). Then = entonces, o a continuación.
🇫🇷 French: que / alors
Than = que (dans les comparaisons). Then = alors, ou ensuite.
🇩🇪 German: als / dann
Than = als (in Vergleichen). Then = dann, oder als Nächstes.
🇮🇹 Italian: di / allora
Than = di (nelle comparazioni). Then = allora, o poi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: do que / então
Than = do que (em comparações). Then = então, ou em seguida.
💡 Nuance: Than appears in comparisons (bigger than, more than). Then refers to time or sequence.
Than = used in comparisons.
Then = at that time, or next in a sequence.
Example:
She is taller than her brother; then she will help him reach the shelf.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: que / entoncesThan = que (en comparaciones). Then = entonces, o a continuación.
🇫🇷 French: que / alors
Than = que (dans les comparaisons). Then = alors, ou ensuite.
🇩🇪 German: als / dann
Than = als (in Vergleichen). Then = dann, oder als Nächstes.
🇮🇹 Italian: di / allora
Than = di (nelle comparazioni). Then = allora, o poi.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: do que / então
Than = do que (em comparações). Then = então, ou em seguida.
💡 Nuance: Than appears in comparisons (bigger than, more than). Then refers to time or sequence.
📉 Lose / Loose
Lose = to misplace something, or to fail to win.
Loose = not tight; free or unbound.
Example:
Don’t lose the key; the door handle is already loose.
Lose = perder. Loose = flojo; no apretado.
🇫🇷 French: perdre / lâche
Lose = perdre. Loose = lâche ; pas serré.
🇩🇪 German: verlieren / locker
Lose = verlieren. Loose = locker; nicht fest.
🇮🇹 Italian: perdere / allentato
Lose = perdere. Loose = allentato; non stretto.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: perder / frouxo
Lose = perder. Loose = frouxo; não apertado.
💡 Nuance: Lose is the verb (one “o”). Loose is the adjective meaning not tight (two “o”s).
Lose = to misplace something, or to fail to win.
Loose = not tight; free or unbound.
Example:
Don’t lose the key; the door handle is already loose.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: perder / flojoLose = perder. Loose = flojo; no apretado.
🇫🇷 French: perdre / lâche
Lose = perdre. Loose = lâche ; pas serré.
🇩🇪 German: verlieren / locker
Lose = verlieren. Loose = locker; nicht fest.
🇮🇹 Italian: perdere / allentato
Lose = perdere. Loose = allentato; non stretto.
🇵🇹 Portuguese: perder / frouxo
Lose = perder. Loose = frouxo; não apertado.
💡 Nuance: Lose is the verb (one “o”). Loose is the adjective meaning not tight (two “o”s).
🏆 Final Practice
English in the Real World:
Read the sentence. Choose the spelling that fits this meaning.
Read the sentence. Choose the spelling that fits this meaning.
Question 1 of 8
✅ Correct: 0
❓ Questions: 0
🎯 Accuracy: 0%