False friendPlacesGerman

See

Meaning: Actually means 'lake' (der See) or 'sea' (die See). To see is sehen.

Origin: A Germanic cousin of English 'sea' that also came to mean an inland lake.

More false friends — Places

  • Fattoria Actually means 'farm'. A factory is una fabbrica.
  • Livraria Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is uma biblioteca.
  • Balcão Actually means 'counter' — in a shop, bar or bank. A balcony is uma varanda.
  • Grind Actually means 'gate' — the garden or field kind. To grind is mala.
  • Librairie Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.
  • Coin Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.

More German false friends

  • Gift Actually means 'poison'. A present is ein Geschenk.
  • 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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