Pattern Recognition System

Complete Cognate Transformation Patterns

Master these systematic patterns to instantly recognize thousands of words across Romance languages.

8,500+

Cognate Words

Patterns

30-40%

Instant Recognition

What Are Cognates?

Cognates are words in different languages that share the same origin and have similar meanings and spellings. Because English borrowed heavily from Latin and French, you already know thousands of words in Romance languages—you just need to learn the transformation rules.

English speakers can instantly recognize 30-40% of Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese vocabulary through cognate patterns.

English

information

Spanish

información

Spanish

Italian

French

Portuguese

How to Use These Patterns

Start with high-frequency patterns

Focus on patterns that unlock 1,000+ words first (-tion, -ty, -ment).

Practice recognition before production

Train your eye to spot these patterns in reading before conversation.

Watch for false friends

While 90% are true cognates, some words have different meanings.

Apply across languages

Many patterns work across all Romance languages.

Spanish Patterns

15 Transformation Rules

Test Your Knowledge

Apply the patterns you just learned

What's the Spanish cognate for:

university

Pattern: -ty → -dad

5/5

Great job! You've mastered these patterns.

Watch Out: False Friends

Not every similar-looking word is a true cognate. These "false friends" look familiar but mean something different. Always verify unfamiliar words in context.

embarrassed ≠ embarazada (pregnant)

actually ≠ actualmente (currently)

library ≠ librería (bookstore)

exit ≠ éxito (success)

Ready to Put These Patterns Into Practice?

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