20 French/English false friends to master
Embark on a linguistic journey and learn about the fascinating world of false friends between French and English! In this enlightening article, you'll discover 20 common words that seem similar but carry entirely different meanings in each language. These false friends can lead to hilarious or confusing conversations if not understood correctly. Gain insights into their true meanings and examples of their usage to navigate language barriers with ease. Whether you're a language enthusiast, traveler, or simply curious, join us in unraveling these linguistic mysteries and avoiding potential misunderstandings!
Language is a fascinating tool that connects people from different cultures and backgrounds. However, it can also be a tricky companion, hiding unexpected pitfalls and misunderstandings. One such challenge arises from false friends, words that appear similar in two languages but have entirely different meanings. In this article, we will explore the 20 most common false friends between French and English, shedding light on their deceptive nature to help you navigate both languages with ease and precision.
Homographes
Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and may or may not have the same pronunciation. These words can lead to confusion and require careful interpretation based on the context in which they are used. The meaning of the homograph depends on the specific usage and context.
Chair (French) vs. Chair (English)
The false friend "chair" poses an amusing difference between the languages. In French, "chair" means flesh, whereas in English, it refers to a piece of furniture. So, when a French person says, "Je suis assis sur une chair," they mean "I am sitting on flesh," not on a chair.
Sensible (French) vs. Sensible (English)
Another false friend to be mindful of is "sensible." In French, it means reasonable or level-headed, while in English, it refers to being aware through the senses. For example, if someone says, "C'est une décision sensible" in French, they are referring to a sensible or reasonable decision. However, in English, saying "That's a sensible decision" implies it is a practical or logical choice.
Chef (French) vs. Chef (English)
The false friend "chef" can lead to confusion in different contexts. In French, it means chief or boss, while in English, it typically refers to a professional cook. For instance, addressing a French person as "chef" in English might unintentionally elevate them to a higher position, while in French, using "chef" to refer to a cook might not be the common term.
Parent (French) vs. Parent (English)
Beware of the false friend "parent" between French and English. In French, it refers to relatives, while in English, it specifically means mother or father. For example, in French, saying "Mes parents sont venus me rendre visite" means "My relatives came to visit me." However, in English, "My parents came to visit me" refers to one's mother and father. Misunderstanding this false friend can lead to confusion about familial relationships.
Rude (French) vs. Rude (English)
Here's a false friend that looks the same but has different meanings in French and English. In French, "rude" means "rough," while in English, it signifies impoliteness or a lack of courtesy. For instance, if a French person says, "C'est un travail rude" they mean it is physically demanding or tough, whereas in English, saying "It's rude work" implies the work lacks manners or is impolite.
Location (French) vs. Location (English)
"Location" is a false friend that can cause confusion. In English, it refers to a specific place, while in French, it means a rental or lease agreement. For example, if an English speaker says, "I'm looking for the location of the party," they are referring to the place where the party will take place. However, in French, "location" would be understood as the rental contract for the venue.
Deception (French) vs. Deception (English)
"Deception" is a false friend that can lead to confusion between French and English. In English, it means deceit or trickery, while in French, "deception" refers to disappointment. For example, if someone says, "J'ai vécu une grande deception" in French, they mean they experienced a great disappointment. However, in English, using "deception" would imply being deceived or tricked.
Garderobe (French) vs. Garderobe (English)
The false friend "garderobe" poses an interesting difference between French and English. In French, "garderobe" means a wardrobe or closet, while in English, it refers to a medieval toilet or lavatory. Misunderstanding this false friend could lead to some amusing and unexpected conversations. For instance, if someone asks for the location of the "garderobe" in English, they would be expecting directions to a restroom, not a closet!
Collège (French) vs. College (English)
In French, "collège" refers to a secondary school for students aged 11-15. However, in English, "college" typically denotes a higher education institution. For instance, saying "J'ai étudié au collège pendant quatre ans" in French means "I studied at secondary school for four years." On the other hand, in English, saying "I attended college for four years" implies attending a university or a post-secondary educational institution. It's crucial to understand these distinctions to ensure clear communication regarding educational experiences.
False friends
False friends, also known as faux amis, are words that look or sound similar in two different languages but have different meanings. These deceptive words can lead to misunderstandings when translating or communicating between languages. It is important to be aware of these false friends to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication between languages.
Sensible (French) vs. Sensitive (English)
The false friend "sensible" can cause confusion between French and English. In English, it means practical or level-headed, while in French, it refers to sensitivity. For example, saying "I am sensible" in English implies being reasonable, but in French, "Je suis sensible" indicates being emotionally sensitive or responsive.
Actuellement (French) vs. Actually (English)
The word "actuellement" in French means "currently," while "actually" in English means "in fact" or "truly." For instance, if a French person says, "Actuellement, je travaille," it means "Currently, I am working." However, in English, "Actually, I am working" indicates a correction or clarification.
Librarie (French) vs. Library (English)
In English, "library" denotes a place where books are stored, while "librairie" in French means a bookstore. For example, if you ask for a specific book in a French "librairie" and say, "Je cherche ce livre à la library," you might confuse the bookseller by using the English term instead of the correct French term.
Excité (French) vs. Excited (English)
The false friend "excité" can lead to misunderstanding between French and English speakers. In French, it means "aroused" or "stimulated," whereas in English, "excited" conveys a feeling of enthusiasm or anticipation. For instance, if a French person says, "Je suis excité," it means they are physically aroused, whereas an English speaker saying "I am excited" expresses their excitement or anticipation about something.
Préservatif (French) vs. Preservative (English)
The false friend "préservatif" in French might raise eyebrows when used in English conversation. In French, it means condom, while "preservative" in English refers to a substance used to prevent decay or spoilage. For instance, if a French speaker asks for a "préservatif" in an English-speaking country, they will likely receive a preservative rather than what they intended!
Sensationnel (French) vs. Sensational (English)
Be cautious with "sensationnel" as a false friend between French and English. In French, it means amazing or extraordinary, whereas "sensational" in English is often associated with exaggerated news or stories. For example, if someone describes an event as "sensationnel" in French, they mean it was amazing or impressive. However, an English speaker using "sensational" might imply something overly dramatic or attention-grabbing.
Sympathique (French) vs. Sympathetic (English)
The false friend "sympathique" can cause confusion between French and English. In French, it means friendly or likeable, whereas in English, "sympathetic" refers to showing compassion or understanding. For example, if someone says, "Elle est très sympathique" in French, they mean the person is friendly. However, in English, saying "She is sympathetic" implies she shows empathy or understanding towards others.
Actuel (French) vs. Actual (English)
The false friend "actual/actuel" can lead to misunderstandings. In English, "actual" means real or existing, while "actuel" in French refers to current or present. For example, saying "The actual situation is challenging" in English means the real situation is difficult. On the other hand, in French, "La situation actuelle est difficile" would indicate the current or present situation being challenging.
Sens (French) vs. Sense (English)
In French, "sens" means direction, while in English, "sense" refers to perception or understanding. These slight differences can create ambiguity if not used correctly. For instance, saying "Prenez la deuxième rue à sens unique" in French means "Take the second one-way street." However, using "sense" instead of "sens" in English could cause confusion since it refers to the ability to perceive or comprehend.
Prétendre (French) vs. Pretend (English)
The false friend "prétendre" can cause misunderstandings. In French, it means to claim or pretend, while in English, "pretend" refers to acting or feigning. For instance, if a French speaker says, "Je prétends être un expert" they mean "I claim to be an expert." However, in English, saying "I pretend to be an expert" implies that they are acting as if they are an expert.
Fabrique (French) vs. Fabric (English)
"Fabric" is a false friend that can lead to confusion between French and English. In English, it means textile or material, while "fabrique" in French refers to a factory. For example, if someone asks, "Where is the fabric store?" in English, they are referring to a store that sells textiles. However, using "fabric" instead of "fabrique" in French might cause confusion, as it would be understood as asking for the location of a factory.
Conclusion
Navigating the intricate paths of language can be both exciting and challenging. False friends between French and English add another layer of complexity, often leading to comical or awkward situations. By familiarizing ourselves with these 20 common false friends, we can bridge the gap between languages, communicate more effectively, and avoid potential misunderstandings. So, let's embrace the nuances of language and celebrate the diversity it brings, all while keeping a keen eye out for those tricky false friends!
