False friendPlacesSwedish

Grind

Meaning: Actually means 'gate' — the garden or field kind. To grind is mala.

Origin: An everyday Swedish noun with no relation to the English verb; the resemblance is coincidence.

More Swedish false friends

  • Stol Actually means 'chair' — any chair, backrest included. A stool is en pall.
  • Fart Actually means 'speed' or 'momentum'. Full fart = full speed ahead.
  • Bra Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.
  • Glass Actually means 'ice cream'. En glass = an ice cream. For a glass (vessel), say ett glas.
  • Semester Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.
  • Barn Actually means 'child'. A barn is en lada.

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