Rat

Meaning: Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.

Language: German

Literally: rat

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Old High German rāt, 'counsel' — unrelated to the English rodent; cf. Rathaus, 'town hall'.

More false friends — Everyday

• Ropa — Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.
• Once — Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.
• Monnaie — Actually means 'change' or 'coins'. Money in general is l'argent.
• Pasta — Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.
• Gift — Actually means 'poison'. A present is ein Geschenk.
• Éxito — Actually means 'success'. An exit is una salida.

More German false friends

• See — Actually means 'lake' (der See) or 'sea' (die See). To see is sehen.
• Handy — Actually means 'a mobile phone'. For handy/useful, say praktisch.
• Fast — Actually means 'almost'. For fast/quick, say schnell.
• 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.

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