False friends when learning Russian
When learning Russian, it’s important to be aware of “false friends,” which are words that look or sound similar to English words but have different meanings. Here are some examples of false friends in Russian:
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Artist - In Russian, “артист” (artist) actually means “actor” or “performer” rather than someone who paints or draws 3.
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Magazine - The Russian word “магазин” (magazin) means “shop” or “store,” not a publication 3.
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Family - In Russian, “фамилия” (familiya) means “surname” and not “family” 3.
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Sympathy - The Russian word “симпатия” (simpatia) refers to “liking” or having a fondness for someone, rather than feeling compassion or pity 3.
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Accurate - The Russian word “аккуратный” (akkuratny) means “neat” or “tidy,” not precise or exact 3.
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Actual - In Russian, “актуальный” (aktualny) means “current” or “relevant,” rather than real or existing 3.
Understanding these false friends is crucial to avoid misunderstandings when learning and communicating in Russian. They highlight the importance of context and the need for careful study of vocabulary beyond surface similarities.