False friendEverydayFrench

Rester

Meaning: Actually means 'to stay' or 'to remain'. Je reste ici = I'm staying here — not taking a nap.

Looks like: Rest

Origin: From Latin restare, 'to stand back' — English took 'to relax'; French kept 'to stay put'.

More false friends — Everyday

  • Attendre Actually means 'to wait for'. J'attends le bus = I'm waiting for the bus. For attend an e…
  • Actuel Actually means 'current' or 'present-day'. Actuellement = currently — not 'actually'.
  • Assister Actually means 'to attend' an event. J'assiste à la réunion = I attend the meeting. For a…
  • Phrase Actually means 'sentence'. For a short phrase or expression, say une expression.
  • 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.

More French false friends

  • Blesser Actually means 'to wound' or 'to injure'. Je suis blessé = I am injured — not blessed.
  • Location Actually means 'rental'. Une location de voiture = a car rental. For location (place), sa…
  • 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.

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Épanouissement The full flourishing of a person — blooming into your most complete, radiant self. More t…
  • Ressourcement The act of returning to one's roots or origins to find renewal — going back to a place, t…
  • Dépaysement The disorienting yet often pleasant feeling of being far from home, immersed in the unfam…

Browse all untranslatable words →

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