False friends when learning Japanese

False friends are words that appear similar in two languages but have different meanings, often leading to confusion for language learners. When learning Japanese, it’s important to be aware of such false friends, especially those derived from English loanwords (known as “gairaigo”). Here are a few examples and explanations to help you navigate these linguistic pitfalls:

1. Mansion (マンション)

   • In Japanese, “mansion” refers to an apartment or condominium, not a large, luxurious house as it does in English ¹.

2. Consent (コンセント)

   • This word in Japanese means an electrical outlet, not agreement or permission as it does in English ¹.

3. Viking (バイキング)

   • In Japanese, “viking” is used to describe a buffet-style meal, rather than referring to Norse seafarers ².

4. Smart (スマート)

   • While “smart” in English often means intelligent, in Japanese it is used to describe someone who is slim or stylish ².

Tips for Avoiding Confusion with False Friends:

• Context Matters: Always pay attention to the context in which a word is used. Japanese loanwords often take on meanings specific to Japanese culture.
• Learn Through Examples: Practice using these words in sentences to solidify their Japanese meanings.
• Consult Native Speakers: When in doubt, ask a native speaker or teacher for clarification.
• Use Resources: Leverage dictionaries or apps that explain loanwords and their meanings in Japanese.

Understanding false friends can significantly improve your fluency and help you avoid embarrassing misunderstandings when communicating in Japanese!

References

• False Friends in English and Japanese | Part 1 - YouTube

• Confusing Japanese words borrowed from English - YouTube