Rolig

Meaning: Actually means 'calm' or 'quiet'. (Confusingly, in Swedish rolig means 'funny' — a false friend between the two Nordic languages too.)

Language: Norwegian

Literally: rowdy

Category: Feelings

Origin: From Old Norse rólegr; Norwegian = calm, Swedish = amusing — even Scandinavians trip on this one.

More false friends — Feelings

• Déception — Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
• 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…

More Norwegian false friends

• Full — Actually means 'drunk'. Jeg er full = I'm drunk — not full after a meal.

← Back to False Friends

Loading the full interactive collection…