What are some common false friends in Japanese and English
False friends are words in two languages that look or sound similar but differ significantly in meaning. Here are some common false friends between Japanese and English:
-
Smart: In Japanese, “smart” is often used to describe someone who is slim or has a good shape, whereas in English, it refers to someone who is intellectually capable 3.
-
Leisure: In Japanese, this word means amusement or entertainment, whereas in English, it refers to free time when one is not working 3.
-
Naive: In Japanese, “naive” is used to mean sensitive or innocent, while in English, it often has a negative connotation, implying someone is gullible or lacking experience 3.
-
Image: In Japanese, “image” can be used to refer to visualization or imagining a concept. However, in English, as a verb, it often refers to taking a picture or making an image of something 3.
-
Challenge: In Japanese, the word “challenge” can mean trying something new or taking on a task. In English, it typically involves questioning or disputing a point of view 3.
-
Tension: In Japanese, “tension” can imply having high energy or enthusiasm (genki), but in English, it generally means being nervous or stressed 3.
These examples illustrate how similar-sounding words can lead to misunderstandings due to their different meanings in each language.