7 Common English Mistakes Spanish Speakers Make (and How to Fix Them)
By Anthony Whelan · 13 October 2026 · 5 min read
Spanish and English have a lot in common, and that is exactly why some mistakes are so tempting. Words look the same, sentences feel the same, and the brain quietly translates. After years of teaching Spanish speakers, these are the seven mistakes I correct most often, with a simple fix for each.
1. Using “do” instead of “make”
Spanish uses hacer for both. English separates them: we make things we create or produce (a mistake, a decision, a phone call) and do tasks and activities (homework, the dishes, a job).
Instead ofI did a mistake in the report.
SayI made a mistake in the report.
Instead ofShe made her homework last night.
SayShe did her homework last night.
2. Using “actually” to mean “currently”
Actualmente means “at the moment”, but actually means “in fact” or “contrary to what you might think”. This is one of the most common false friends.
Instead ofActually I work in Madrid.
SayAt the moment I work in Madrid. / I currently work in Madrid.
3. Confusing “embarrassed” with pregnant
Embarazada means pregnant. The English word embarrassed means avergonzado: you feel awkward or ashamed. Mixing them up can lead to some very surprising conversations.
Instead ofMy sister is embarrassed. She is going to have a baby in May.
SayMy sister is pregnant. She is going to have a baby in May.
Instead ofI felt embarazada when I forgot his name.
SayI felt embarrassed when I forgot his name.
4. Leaving out the subject
In Spanish you can say Hace calor or Es tarde with no subject. English almost always needs one, even when it has no real meaning. Use “it” for weather, time and general situations, and “there” for existence.
Instead ofIs very hot today.
SayIt is very hot today.
Instead ofAre many people in the office.
SayThere are many people in the office.
5. Mixing up “since” and “for” with the present perfect
Spanish says Vivo aquí desde 2019 using the present tense. In English, an action that started in the past and continues now needs the present perfect. Use since with a starting point and for with a length of time.
Instead ofI live here since 2019.
SayI have lived here since 2019.
Instead ofI work here since five years.
SayI have worked here for five years.
6. Translating prepositions word for word
Prepositions rarely match across languages. Learn the whole phrase rather than translating each small word, and keep a list of the ones that catch you out.
Instead ofIt depends of the price.
SayIt depends on the price.
Instead ofShe is married with a doctor.
SayShe is married to a doctor.
Instead ofI am agree with that.
SayI agree with that.
7. Using “assist” when you mean “attend”
Asistir a una reunión means to go to a meeting, but in English assist means to help. The word you want is attend.
Instead ofI assisted the meeting yesterday.
SayI attended the meeting yesterday.
Most of these mistakes come from translating, not from not knowing English. The fastest cure is noticing them. Keep a short list of your own repeated mistakes and check it before you speak or write.