Coin

Meaning: Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.

Origin: From Latin cuneus, 'wedge' — like the corner of a room.

More French false friends

Chance Actually means 'luck'. Bonne chance! = Good luck! For chance (probability), say une possi…
Sympathique Actually means 'nice' or 'pleasant'. Il est très sympathique = He's very nice — not 'He's…
Rester Actually means 'to stay' or 'to remain'. Je reste ici = I'm staying here — not taking a n…
Attendre Actually means 'to wait for'. J'attends le bus = I'm waiting for the bus. For attend an e…
Actuel Actually means 'current' or 'present-day'. Actuellement = currently — not 'actually'.
Blesser Actually means 'to wound' or 'to injure'. Je suis blessé = I am injured — not blessed.

Tricky phrases to practice out loud, from languages around the world.

Si six scies scient six cyprès, six cents scies scient six cents cyprès. An 's' / 'si' minefield.
Dans ta tente ta tante t'attend. A gentle 'ta / ten / tan / t'' warm-up that sounds faster than it reads.
Seize chaises sèches sur seize arches sèches. A relentless collision of 'sei', 'sèch', and 's' — the tongue can't find traction.

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