False friendEverydayFrench

Assister

Meaning: Actually means 'to attend' an event. J'assiste à la réunion = I attend the meeting. For assist (help), say aider.

Looks like: Assist

Origin: The same trap as Spanish asistir — attend vs help, depending on the language.

More false friends — Everyday

  • 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.
  • Smoking Actually means 'tuxedo' or 'dinner jacket'. The verb (smoking cigarettes) is rauchen.

More French false friends

  • 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.
  • Pain Actually means 'bread'. The hurting kind of pain is la douleur.
  • Coin Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • L'esprit de l'escalier Thinking of the perfect comeback only after the moment has passed — on your way down the…
  • Terroir The unique character that a place — its soil, climate and tradition — gives to a wine or…
  • Râler To complain and grumble with a certain national flair — a beloved French pastime.

Browse all untranslatable words →

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