Déception

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

Language: French

Literally: deception

Category: Feelings

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.
• Embarazada — Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a.
• Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
• Bravo — Actually means 'good, skilled, well-behaved'. For brave, say coraggioso.
• Molestar — Actually means 'to bother' or 'to annoy'. ¿Te molesta el ruido? = Does the noise bother y…
• Simpático — Actually means 'nice' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say comprensivo.

More French false friends

• Monnaie — Actually means 'change' or 'coins'. Money in general is l'argent.
• 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…
• Sympathique — Actually means 'nice' or 'pleasant'. Il est très sympathique = He's very nice — not 'He's…

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