Skip to content
What are some common false friends in French that can be easily mistaken visualisation

What are some common false friends in French that can be easily mistaken

False friends when learning French: What are some common false friends in French that can be easily mistaken
Learn with Comprenders App About Comprenders

Common false friends (faux amis) in French that can be easily mistaken include words that look or sound like English words but have different meanings. Some key examples are:

  • Bras means “arm” in French, not “bra” (French bra = un soutien-gorge).
  • Attendre means “to wait,” not “to attend.”
  • Déception means “disappointment,” not “deception.”
  • Monnaie means “coins/change,” not “money” in general.
  • Librairie means “bookshop,” not “library” (library = bibliothèque).
  • Journée means “day,” not “journey.”
  • Prune means “plum,” not “prune.”
  • Coin means “corner,” not “coin” (currency piece).
  • Blessé means “injured,” not “blessed.”
  • Location means “rental,” not “location/place.”
  • Raisin means “grape,” not “raisin.”
  • Supporter means “to bear/put up with,” not “to support.”
  • Prévenir means “to warn,” not “to prevent.”
  • Rester means “to stay,” not “to rest.”

These false friends can cause confusion, especially for learners of French, as the English-looking words can mislead in meaning or usage.

References

Open the App About Comprenders