Stol

Meaning: Actually means 'chair' — any chair, backrest included. A stool is en pall.

Language: Swedish

Literally: stool

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Old Norse stóll, 'seat' — the same Germanic word as English 'stool' and German Stuhl; only English narrowed it to the backless kind.

More false friends — Everyday

• Time — Actually means 'hour'. En halv time = half an hour. Time in the general sense is tid.
• Sky — Actually means 'cloud'. The sky overhead is himmelen.
• Familiya (Фамилия) — Actually means 'surname'. A family is семья (semya).
• Aktualny (Актуальный) — Actually means 'topical' or 'currently relevant'. For actual (real), say настоящий (nasto…
• Artist (Артист) — Actually means 'performer' — an actor, singer or circus artiste. A painter is художник (k…
• Gift — Actually means 'poison'. A present is ein Geschenk.

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.
• Semester — Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.
• Barn — Actually means 'child'. A barn is en lada.
• Sex — Actually means 'six'. Klockan sex = six o'clock.

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