Spanish cognates for English speakers
If you speak English, you already know far more Spanish vocabulary than it feels like. Shared Latin roots left reliable spelling bridges — Lingotree Word Keys teaches those bridges with verified examples, audio, and short drills.
Patterns that unlock whole families
English -tion → Spanish -ción
information → información · nation → nación · education → educación
English -ty → Spanish -dad
university → universidad · curiosity → curiosidad · reality → realidad
English -ic → Spanish -ico
public → público · basic → básico · romantic → romántico
English -ism → Spanish -ismo
tourism → turismo · optimism → optimismo
Often identical on the page
Words such as hotel, animal, and general look the same — the work is pronunciation and usage.
Why cognates beat pure memorisation
- One rule generates many words instead of one flashcard at a time
- You attach new Spanish forms to English you already own
- False-friend traps keep the intuition honest
FAQ
Are these patterns always safe?
They are highly productive, not universal. Word Keys pairs each rule with real verified words and separate false-friend practice.
Do I need to know grammar first?
No. Cognate keys are a vocabulary head start you can use from day one alongside flashcards and speaking practice.