Semester

Meaning: Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.

Language: Swedish

Literally: semester (school term)

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Latin semestris, 'six-month period' — Swedish uses it for the break itself, not the academic period.

More false friends — Everyday

• Full — Actually means 'drunk'. Jeg er full = I'm drunk — not full after a meal.
• Jornal — Actually means 'newspaper'. For a personal journal (diary), say diário.
• Bekommen — Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
• Rat — Actually means 'advice' or 'counsel'. A rat (the rodent) is eine Ratte.
• Ropa — Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.
• Once — Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.

More Swedish false friends

• Fart — Actually means 'speed' or 'momentum'. Full fart = full speed ahead.
• Bra — Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.
• Glass — Actually means 'ice cream'. En glass = an ice cream. For a glass (vessel), say ett glas.

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