It's amazing how the slightest variation to a word can make all the difference. Take the English word "bow" for example. It can mean someone bending at the waist. It could be a tool used to shoot an arrow across great distances. It is even referred to as a tool used to make the violin and other stringed instruments sing beautiful melodies. Three distinct meanings all with the same spelling of the word. I can go on and on with more meanings and even variations that have even more meanings like the word "bough." Pronounced the same, spelled different and has another meaning. In English, we call these words homonyms.
Spanish is loaded with homonyms. Take "amo, ama" and "amo, ama." One means "owner, master or mistress" and the other refers to the first person "I" form and the third person "s/he, you or it" form of the verb "to love."
"Copa"and "copa"is another great example. One refers to "cup" while the other refers to the third person "s/he, you or it" form of the verb "to win."
My personal favorite is "si" (with no accent mark) which means "if" and "sí" (with an accent mark) which means "yes." It's so slight that you can miss it if you don't watch out for it. Sí, with Spanish, you have an additional layer of different word possibilities with accent marks. They can be spelled the same, sound the same, but mean something totally different with just a placement of an accent mark.
You can find a good listing of Spanish homonyms online at About.com.
The only way to know what is being talked about is the context of the conversation. It's the same as in English. One "bow" may not be another "bow," but the context of what you are talking about will help you make the right choice in its meaning. So be careful with those homonyms! ¡Hasta luego!
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