What are some examples of Japanese words that sound like English words but have different meanings

False friends when learning Japanese: What are some examples of Japanese words that sound like English words but have different meanings

Japanese words that sound like English words but have different meanings are often referred to as “false friends.” Here are some examples:

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 ².
Image (イメージ): While “image” in English often refers to a picture or visual representation, in Japanese, it can mean a mental visualization or concept ².
Smart (スマート): In Japanese, “smart” is used to describe someone who is slim or has a good figure, unlike the English meaning of being intelligent ².
Leisure (レジャー): In Japanese, this word means amusement or recreation, whereas in English it refers to free time or the use of free time for enjoyment ².
Naive (ナイーブ): In Japanese, “naive” is used to mean sensitive or innocent, while in English it often has a negative connotation of being gullible or lacking experience ².
Challenge (チャレンジ): In Japanese, this word is often used to mean attempting something new or difficult, whereas in English it implies questioning or disputing something ².
Tension (テンション): In Japanese, “tension” can mean excitement or high energy, contrasting with the English meaning of stress or anxiety ².

These examples illustrate how similar-sounding words can lead to misunderstandings due to their different meanings in each language.

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