Actuel

Meaning: Actually means 'current' or 'present-day'. Actuellement = currently — not 'actually'.

Language: French

Literally: actual

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Latin actualis — French froze on the 'of this moment' sense; English uses it for emphasis.

More false friends — Everyday

• Assister — Actually means 'to attend' an event. J'assiste à la réunion = I attend the meeting. For a…
• Phrase — Actually means 'sentence'. For a short phrase or expression, say une expression.
• Ignorer — Actually means 'to be unaware of' or 'not to know'. J'ignore la réponse = I don't know th…
• Rock — Actually means 'skirt'. A rock (stone) is ein Stein.
• Brief — Actually means 'letter' (the kind you post). For brief (short), say kurz.
• Chef — Actually means 'boss' or 'manager'. A cook is ein Koch.

More French false friends

• Blesser — Actually means 'to wound' or 'to injure'. Je suis blessé = I am injured — not blessed.
• Location — Actually means 'rental'. Une location de voiture = a car rental. For location (place), sa…
• Déception — Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
• Monnaie — Actually means 'change' or 'coins'. Money in general is l'argent.
• Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
• Librairie — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.

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