False friendFeelingsFrench

Déception

Meaning: Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.

Looks like: Deception

Origin: From Latin deceptio; French shifted to the let-down you feel, not the lie you're told.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.
  • Brutaal Actually means 'cheeky' or 'impudent'. For brutal, say wreed or bruut.
  • Esquisito Actually means 'strange', 'weird' or 'odd'. For exquisite, say requintado.
  • Educado Actually means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'. For educated (schooled), say instruído.
  • Injúria Actually means 'insult' or 'slander'. A physical injury is uma lesão or um ferimento.
  • Rar Actually means 'sweet' or 'kind'. En rar person is a lovely person. (In Norwegian, rar me…

More French false friends

  • 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.
  • Chance Actually means 'luck'. Bonne chance! = Good luck! For chance (probability), say une possi…

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