What is a cognate?

A cognate is… A word in English and Spanish that is derived from the same Latin or Greek root. In other words… it is a word that looks, and sounds and has a similar meaning as a word in another language.

Exact Cognates Spanish English actor central color chocolate doctor hotel idea radio English actor central color chocolate doctor hotel idea radio

Direct Cognates Spanish English la pronunciación la combinación pronunciation combination

Write the definition of each word… admiración: aviación : celebración: civilización: dirección: invitación: nación: producción: repetición:

“-dad” and “-ty” Spanish English la sociedad la electricidad la autoridad la capacidad la curiosidad la eternidad la generosidad la necesidad English society electricity authority capacity _________ ___________

“-ia, -ía or –io” and “y” Spanish English la familia la fotografía el vocabulario Antonio democracia farmacia geografía historia English family photography vocabulary Anthony democracy _________

“-oso” and “-ous” Spanish English curioso famoso furioso generoso glorioso English curious famous furious generous glorious

Write the definition of each word… nervioso: numeroso: precioso: religioso:

“-mente” and “-ly” Spanish English finalmente correctamente diligentemente exactamente frecuentamente immediatamente naturalmente perfectamente English finally ________ _________ __________ ___________

In Spanish, there are almost no words that begin with s + consonant. Many English words beginning with s + consonant have corresponding Spanish words beginning with -es.

“-es” and “s” Spanish English escena especial espectáculo espíritu estudiante estación estúpido English scene special spectacular spirit _________ __________

Indirect Cognates Spanish English agua alto aprender árbol ascensor bailar English water-aquarium tall- altitude to learn- apprentice tree-arbor elevator- to ascend to dance- ballet