False friends when learning French
What are the false friends (false cognates) between languages, with examples
When learning French, one common challenge is dealing with false friends or faux amis. These are words that look or sound similar in both French and English but have different meanings. Understanding these can prevent misunderstandings and potential embarrassment. Here are some notable examples:
Common French False Friends
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Coin vs. Coin
- French: (un) Coin = corner
- English: Coin = pièces de monnaie
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Déception vs. Deception
- French: (une) Déception = disappointment
- English: Deception = une tromperie
-
Fournitures vs. Furniture
- French: (des) Fournitures = supplies
- English: Furniture = des meubles
-
Grappe vs. Grape
- French: (une) Grappe = a bunch, cluster
- English: Grape = du raisin
-
Habit vs. Habit
- French: (un) Habit = clothes, dress
- English: Habit = une habitude
-
Injure vs. Injure
- French: (une) Injure = to insult
- English: to Injure = blesser, nuire
-
Journée vs. Journey
- French: (une) Journée = a day
- English: Journey = (un) voyage
-
Location vs. Location
- French: (une) Location = a rental
- English: Location = un lieu
-
Monnaie vs. Money
- French: (la) Monnaie = currency in coin, change
- English: Money = de l’argent
-
Réunion vs. Reunion
- French: (une) Réunion = (work) meeting
- English: Reunion = regroupement, retrouvailles
False Friends with Verbs
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Achever vs. Achieve
- French: Achever = to finish, complete
- English: to Achieve = réussir à, parvenir à quelque chose
-
Attendre vs. Attend
- French: Attendre = wait
- English: to Attend = assister à, participer à
-
Délivrer vs. Deliver
- French: Délivrer = to set free, to relieve
- English: to Deliver = livrer, distribuer
-
Prévenir vs. Prevent
- French: Prévenir = to warn
- English: to Prevent = empêcher, éviter
-
Rester vs. Rest
- French: Rester = to stay
- English: to Rest = se reposer
Understanding these false friends is crucial for effective communication in French and can help avoid misinterpretations in both casual and professional settings 1, 2, 3.