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Many words in French and English are similar or look similar. That’s lucky because it helps with learning vocabulary faster. However, these words sometimes means something very different in the two languages! In this case, they are called “faux amis”, false friends, or false cognates. Here’s a list of 10 common false friends so you don’t make the mistake!
Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode
Bouton (nm) = button ; pimple ; button, knob, switch ; bud (plants)
Monnaie (nf) = spare change, small change
Argent (nm) = money
Journée (nf) = day, daytime
Voyage (nm) = journey
Déception (nf) = disappointment, disillusion
a deception = une tromperie / duperie / supercherie =
Librairie (nf) = bookstore
Bibliothèque (nf) = library
Location (nf) = rental, hire ; rented flat, rented house, rented apartment; rental, rental property
On a réservé une location en Italie pour les vacances.= We’ve booked a rental place in Italy for the holidays
Un endroit, un site = a location, un emplacement = a location
Coin (nm) = corner
Au coin de la rue = around the corner
Une pièce (de monnaie) = a (money) coin
Une pièce = a room ; a piece (puzzle)
Préservatif (nm) = a condom
Conservateur (nm) = preservative
Prune (nf) = plum ; fine, ticket
Pruneau (nm) = prune (dried plum)
Raisin (nm) = grape
Raisin sec = raisin
LINKS and RESOURCES
- Episode 85 : 10 common false friends (= faux amis) in French and English
- Episode 73 : France Travel Tips (PART 1): General Tips
- Episode 76 : What’s the Difference Between Jour and Journée in French?
- Episode 59 : French « déception” vs English “deception”: same same, or different?
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