False friendFeelingsFrench

Sensible

Meaning: Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.

Origin: A common Franco-English mix-up.

More false friends — Feelings

  • 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…
  • Simpático Actually means 'nice' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say comprensivo.
  • Gracioso Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.
  • Sensible Actually means 'sensitive' or 'perceptible'. For sensible (levelheaded), say sensato.
  • Chance Actually means 'luck'. Bonne chance! = Good luck! For chance (probability), say une possi…

More French false friends

  • Librairie Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.
  • Pain Actually means 'bread'. The hurting kind of pain is la douleur.
  • Coin Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.
  • Sympathique Actually means 'nice' or 'pleasant'. Il est très sympathique = He's very nice — not 'He's…
  • Rester Actually means 'to stay' or 'to remain'. Je reste ici = I'm staying here — not taking a n…
  • Attendre Actually means 'to wait for'. J'attends le bus = I'm waiting for the bus. For attend an e…

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

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

  • L'esprit de l'escalier Thinking of the perfect comeback only after the moment has passed — on your way down the…
  • Terroir The unique character that a place — its soil, climate and tradition — gives to a wine or…
  • Râler To complain and grumble with a certain national flair — a beloved French pastime.

Browse all untranslatable words →

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