False friendEverydayFrench

Phrase

Meaning: Actually means 'sentence'. For a short phrase or expression, say une expression.

Origin: From Greek phrasis — French uses it for a complete sentence, not a few words.

More false friends — Everyday

  • 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.
  • Eventuell Actually means 'possibly' or 'perhaps'. Eventuell komme ich = Maybe I'll come — not 'I'll…

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.

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

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