Learning vocabulary is an important part of learning a new language, Esperanto included. Vocabulary learning in Esperanto is made easier if you already know a European language such as English.

However, there are many ‘false friends’ to watch out for. Some of these ‘false friends’ sound rude to an English speaker.



What Is A False Friend?

A false friend, also known as a false cognate, is a word that is similar in two languages but has a different meaning. These language traps can cause varying degrees of misunderstanding and embarrassment depending on the false friend. For more information about false friends, read the article on Wikipedia.

So here are 5 rude false friends I have chosen based on my learning experiences. Be warned, they are very immature.

Farti

Farti is likely one of the first words you will learn in Esperanto. When I first heard this phrase, I had a good chuckle.

Esperanto sentence What it sounds like What it actually means Mi fartas bone I fart well I feel well

Dungi

If you ever need to apply for or hire someone in Esperanto, this word will likely come up.

Esperanto sentence What it sounds like What it actually means Farmisto, dungu min Farmer, cover me in dung Farmer, hire me

Pupon

The Esperanto word ‘pupo’ comes from the Latin word ‘pupa’ which means ‘puppet’. However, in English it can sound like something much funnier.

Esperanto sentence What it sounds like What it actually means Mi ŝatas pupon I had a poop A like a puppet

Adulti

So you want to tell your Esperanto friends how grown up you are? Then this is not the word you are looking for. The correct word for ‘adult’ is ‘plenkreskulo’.

Esperanto sentence What it sounds like What it actually means Mi estas adultulo I am an adult I am an adulterer

Penis

Yes, you read that heading correctly. The word ‘peni’ means to endeavour, to make an effort, to try. Add the past tense ‘is’ to the end and you get a word that is immediately recognisable to an English speaker.

Esperanto sentence What it sounds like What it actually means Mi penis lerni Esperanto My male genitals are learning Esperanto I tried to learn Esperanto

Conclusion

This is by no means a complete list, just a few words I have encountered while learning Esperanto. The fact that these words have a rude meaning in English can help you make a mental connection with the words. For more Esperanto false friends you can watch Evildea’s video on the subject.