Turn familiar English words into recognizable Spanish.
Rules progress from the most useful patterns to spelling changes and specialized prefixes. Hover over a rule on a computer, or tap it on a phone, to reveal twelve examples.
How to Use the Cognate Library
What is a cognate?Cognates share a common origin, similar spelling, and similar meaning in English and Spanish.Why they matterMany English words can help you recognize Spanish immediately. Pronunciation, accents, and endings may still change.How to studyLearn one pattern, review its examples, predict new Spanish words, and confirm unfamiliar words before using them.Priority LevelsStart with Level 1 rules before moving to later levels. Hover on computers or tap on phones to reveal examples.
Cognate Strategy
📘 What You’ll LearnRecognize word families without memorizing every related word separately.📊 Quick ReferenceCompare the source pattern, target pattern, and confidence level.💡 Why It WorksRelated words share roots, but a pattern supports recognition; it does not guarantee meaning.⚠️ Check ChangesWatch for spelling shifts, irregular family members, and false cognates.🎧 Listen & PracticeAlways confirm pronunciation in the language you are learning.
Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ almost always works · ⭐⭐⭐⭐ usually works · ⭐⭐⭐ use with care · ⭐⭐ limited pattern · ⭐ learn individually.
⭐ Remember: a cognate pattern is a recognition tool, not a promise. Learn exceptions explicitly.
A pattern, not a promise:
cognate rules help you predict and recognize words, but they do not apply universally. Always confirm an unfamiliar word and watch for false cognates and irregular forms.