More Spanish Speaking Humiliation

I recently shared my most embarrassing moment learning to speak Spanish. So I had to share this one too! I didn't ask permission to share the story, so I won't share names! If you want to learn Spanish or are learning Spanish, this is a mistake you'll want to remember NOT to make yourself!

Here's some basic Spanish so you can understand the story.

Bebida: a drink
Beber: to drink
(I) yo: Bebo
(you) tú: Bebes
(he/she) él/usted: Bebe
(we) nosotros: Bebemos
(they/you all) ellos/ustedes: Beben

In Spanish, there are quite a number of words that look/sound the same from English to Spanish. Like the word doctor. But some that look or sound the same have no connection at all. One of these words is embarrassed. This word resembles embarasada which means pregnant. The Spanish translation for "I'm embarrassed" is actually "Tengo pena" or "estoy avergonzado/a." This can be confusing and very embarrassing, but also makes for some great stories! Don't say I didn't warn you.

So, a lady friend went to Costa Rica with a group for a 1 month immersion trip to study Spanish. The day before they were about to leave, the group decided to go to a club to celebrate their time. A tall, dark, handsome latino man asked her to dance. After they danced to a few songs, she asks if she could get him a drink, "Puedo tener tu bebé?" (literal translation: Can I have your baby?)

He was quite confused and just laughed, but she wasn't sure why. Her friend overheard this and told her what she had said. Her face got bright red and she wanted to correct her mistake. "No, no, lo siento. Estoy muy embarazada." (literal translation: No, no, I'm sorry. I'm so pregnant. Hoping to say I'm so embarrassed)

OOPS!