What Are False Friends?
False friends, or “faux amis” in French, are pairs of words in two languages that look or sound alike but have different meanings. They often trip up language learners because it’s easy to assume that similar-looking words have the same definition. For example, the French word “actuellement” doesn’t mean “actually,” even though it looks similar. Instead, it means “currently.” Understanding these differences is key to mastering French and communicating accurately.
Top 10 Most Common French-English False Friends
1. Actuellement vs. Actually
Actuellement means “currently” or “at present.” The English word “actually” translates to “en fait” in French.
Example: Je travaille actuellement à Paris. (I am currently working in Paris.)
2. Librairie vs. Library
Librairie is a bookstore, not a library. The French word for library is “bibliothèque.”
Example: Je vais à la librairie pour acheter un livre. (I am going to the bookstore to buy a book.)
3. Prétendre vs. Pretend
Prétendre means “to claim” or “to assert.” To say “to pretend,” you would use “faire semblant.”
Example: Il prétend être médecin. (He claims to be a doctor.)
4. Collège vs. College
Collège in French refers to middle school (ages 11-15). “College” in English is “université” or “école supérieure” in French.
Example: Ma sœur est au collège. (My sister is in middle school.)
5. Sensible vs. Sensible
Sensible in French means “sensitive,” not “sensible.” The French equivalent for “sensible” is “raisonnable.”
Example: Elle est très sensible. (She is very sensitive.)
6. Attendre vs. Attend
Attendre means “to wait,” not “to attend.” “To attend” in French is “assister à.”
Example: J’attends mon ami. (I am waiting for my friend.)
7. Rester vs. Rest
Rester means “to stay,” whereas “to rest” is “se reposer.”
Example: Nous sommes restés à la maison. (We stayed at home.)
8. Déception vs. Deception
Déception means “disappointment.” The word “deception” in English is “tromperie” in French.
Example: Sa déception était évidente. (His disappointment was obvious.)
9. Monnaie vs. Money
Monnaie refers to “change” (coins), not money in general. “Money” in French is “argent.”
Example: Avez-vous de la monnaie? (Do you have any change?)
10. Passer un examen vs. Pass an exam
Passer un examen means “to take an exam.” To say “to pass an exam” (i.e., succeed), use “réussir à un examen.”
Example: J’ai passé l’examen hier. (I took the exam yesterday.)
J’ai réussi à l’examen. (I passed the exam.)
Why Do False Friends Matter in French Learning?
False friends can lead to major misunderstandings in both spoken and written communication. Using a word incorrectly could cause confusion or even embarrassment, especially in formal or professional contexts. By studying these common pitfalls, language learners can significantly improve their accuracy and confidence. Regular practice, reading, and conversations with native speakers or AI language learning tools like Talkpal can help reinforce the correct usage of these tricky words.
Tips for Mastering French False Friends
- Keep a List: Maintain a personal list of the false friends you encounter and review it regularly.
- Context is Key: Always consider the context in which a word is used. If something doesn’t make sense, double-check its meaning.
- Use Language Tools: Take advantage of language learning platforms such as Talkpal to practice and get immediate feedback.
- Read and Listen: Expose yourself to authentic French content—books, podcasts, movies—to see how these words are used naturally.
Conclusion
Mastering false friends is a crucial step in achieving fluency in French. By familiarizing yourself with these commonly confused words and practicing their correct usage, you’ll communicate more accurately and confidently. Remember, even experienced learners make mistakes, so don’t be discouraged! With consistent effort and the support of resources like Talkpal, you’ll overcome the challenges and enjoy the rich rewards of speaking French.
